Sony Ships 80GB PlayStation 3 in Korea

Just about a month ago, we saw our first fuzzy camera-phone pictures of a purported 80GB PlayStation 3. Now comes word that Sony will, indeed, launch an 80GB version of its next-generation console—but only in South Korea. Those of us in the U.S., Japan and Europe will have to wait.

BetaNews is reporting that Sony will begin shipping the 80GB PS3 in Korea starting June 16, with Sony execs stating that the company has "no plans" to launch the new console anywhere else, including the U.S., Europe and Japan. The price for the 80GB PlayStation? About 518,000 won, or $581 in U.S. dollars, according to PC World.

Personally, I wouldn't get too worked up about Sony's announcement (or lack thereof, in our case). If there's an 80GB PS3 shipping soon in South Korea, it's hard to believe it wouldn't arrive here in the near future—before fall, I'd wager. And the US$581 sticker price for the new Korean console seems to indicate that Sony will be reasonable on the eventual U.S. pricing, with maybe even a price drop in store for the 60GB PlayStation 3. Stay tuned.

Related:
80GB PS3 Launching in South Korea [BetaNews]
Sony Launching 80GB PlayStation 3 [PC World]