PlayStation 4 coming to Europe 29 November, PS Vita and PS3 drop to €199

20 Aug 2013

Following a jam-packed showcase of new games coming to the PlayStation universe, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today confirmed the release date for its next-generation console and some new price points for older models.

At Gamescom in Cologne, Sony Computer Entertainment execs wowed the crowd with gameplay footage and trailers spanning a wide variety of video games across the PlayStation ecosystem.

But the big announcement came when SCE president and group CEO Andrew House took to the stage to announce the release date for the PlayStation 4, which will arrive in 32 countries at launch hitting the US first on 15 November followed by Europe on 29 November.

Over 1m pre-orders have already been received for the €399 console, which costs €100 less than its chief rival, the Xbox One, also arriving in November.

House didn’t let the opportunity to take at dig at his competitors during the announcement pass by, though, saying to much applause, “While others have shifted their message and changed their story, we were consistent in maintaining policies and models that were fair and in tune with consumer desires.”

New prices for old machines

As well as a release date for the PlayStation 4, today’s press event also came with announcements concerning its predecessor and its hand-held compatriot.

House revealed that the PlayStation 3, which SCE still sees as a system with more to offer, will sport a lower price-tag for the 12GB model, dropping to €199.

Earlier at the event, SCE Europe president and CEO Jim Ryan had already announced that the PlayStation Vita would also lower its RRP to €199. This will be welcome news to those planning to invest in a PS4, as all games on the new console will also be playable remotely on PS Vita.

Elaine Burke is the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. She was previously the editor of Silicon Republic.

editorial@siliconrepublic.com