When Sony first announced the new 80GB SKU of the PS3 (bundled with MotorStorm), they gave no specific release date to the masses. The first hint of a release date may have come from Amazon.com, who has the package set for an August 12th release.

The SKU isn't yet available for pre-order, but Amazon will send you an e-mail notification when it is, should you so wish. While we don't think the system is a bad deal, it's no "elite" console and we doubt it will sell out for very long upon release. However, if you are yearning for a $100 cheaper 60GB system without MotorStorm, you might want to act fast, as the SKU is being phased out completely once stock depletes.

Europeans aren't receiving this SKU at all. Instead, they have the "starter pack", in which they'll get two controllers and two first-party titles for the same original price of £425 (UK) or €599.

We'll give you word of either a change or solidification in date for the 80GB system.