By Chris Nicholls

SYDNEY: Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCEA) has confirmed the price and release date of the 80 GB Playstation 3 and added several new games to its upcoming roster.

The new PS3 model will arrive on 28 August, a day after the original date confirmed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe chief executive, David Reeves, in July, and with the same price as the outgoing 40 GB model – RRP $699.

While this still keeps the price higher than the equivalent machine in the US (RRP $399), the cost is closer to that of European and UK versions, which sell for 399 Euro (A$676) and 299 pounds (A$638) respectively.

The 80 GB version also sees the first official bundling of the Dualshock 3 wireless controller, the long-awaited vibration-enabled PS3 controller.

Those hoping for the just-announced 160 GB Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune special edition PS3 will be disappointed, though, with SCEA confirming it will not head downunder.

Games that are coming here include two new SingStar games, including a PS2 version for children – SingStar Singalong with Disney – Resistance 2, MotorStorm Pacific Rift and the highly anticipated LittleBigPlanet.

Both new SingStar titles will be available prior to Christmas, with the PS3 version titled SingStar Vol. 3 Party Edition.

Those who wish to download new songs from the SingStore will also have access to new song packs, including two from Queen.

And, despite having only just released its first Buzz! game for the PSP, SCEA has confirmed the second edition, Buzz!: Brain Bender will also arrive in time for the pre-Christmas rush.

The underused Playstation Eye for PS3 will also gain a new friend next year with EyePet. EyePet is supposed to create a “loveable, simian-like pet that lives in your living room and is captured second by second on your TV”.

While the description may not make sense, the EyePet will apparently interact with both the room and people in it.

Finally, next year will see Quantic Dream release Heavy Rain. In what SCEA claims is an industry first, the game allows you to control a film, with different outcomes and story depending on your actions.