Sony is really putting on a spread for the Japanese people - They have the best made PS3's, full featured, bigger range for choice, nice pricing. Plus - first dibs on games and more studio time dedicated to making some Japan only releases. Sure they get the little 40GB gimp model release too but have a real nice choice of others with full BC. They dont need to feel any discomfort at all. Wow they get it good.

The rumor of the 160GB premium model for Japan (got the works, full BC, dual HDMI, extra ethernet etc...) should be a real treat for them. EU & other PAL regions are paying for it right now - so I hope the japanese are making the most of it - tuck in little fellas! Oh well - maybe next gen will be our turn right Sony?

hhmm that 160GB model sounds good. And for those who couldnt see the concept of 3 ethernet ports, it is so that you can host your own 4 player LAN party without the need for a hub, very neat. 3 of your mates come round and connect into your console the host. admitadly this wouldnt happen that often but its a nice to have. I want one

Later down the track you could always look out for a guy in Japan on ebay who is bored playing with his at some point - I mean once they have finished using it Im sure some others in EU or the US would like a turn.

I am from Austria (Europe, folks^^), I've read on a german gaming-website that the 40-gig model in Japan will cost 39,980 yen (USD 341), this converted into € means it would cost 240 €!!!!. Now the Wii costs 250 € here in Austria, so the 40-gig model is even cheaper than the Wii - but that's only for japan. We Europeans again get screwed and pay 400€, I mean the price is good and so on, but it is almost the double of the price that the Japanese have to pay - think about it

@ jams

Well, I didn't knew that thing with the tax and so on...and you're kinda right, I am infact very satisfied with the price of the 40-gig PS3, it is the model that suits me the most so therefore I'll be getting this one. It's just annoying to know that in other regions you could save some money compared to yours. But I guess you can't have anything, but as already mentionend I am cool with the new model and I'm sure loads of other folks will be - just watch the sales in the next week or months; whatever

Its easier to dump product in Europe and make them pay more. I mean do the math considering the US have enjoyed non gimped PS3's for considerably less than what EU are paying. Europe pays more money for a lesser value spec product and get less games variety released in their PAL region... No it doesn't sound too good. Thats why Sony had to bully Lik Sang and other traders who made it easy to import and who passed on the products at good prices. Sony doesn't want Europe to get in on deals done for Japan.

But if they couldnt take from Europe then they could not give to Japan which is a more important market in Sony's opinion. PAL regions can always wait apparently.

Sony's from Japan, they don't have any of the extra import taxes, penalties, shipping costs, etc. that other countries face--so they can afford to sell the ps3 cheaper.  Plus, it's not fun getting beat on your home turf.

Also, keep in mind as I've said a  dozen times...the US prices DO NOT include tax...so in the US, the price for the 60GB is $499+TAX...which varies in each state...so yes, the US is cheaper, but not by as much as many think.

We get made in China and they get made in Japan. The finish is far superior. The components are better. Yet it's cheaper. Even with PSP - the LCD panels used in the Jap version was brighter and guaranteed no dead pixels. In Australia we where asked to accept two dead pixels as being satisfactory and not covered by Warranty. I got one dead and feel like I got second best - particularly since again I paid more.

Who care if they dont like getting beat in their country. Sony has to start showing value for money to everyone around the world.

VAT is 17.5%

Japan also get a White 40GB PS3. They get everything first.

When the 40gb is released it will go on sale for 4,000 yen less than the 20gb. Will Sony phase out the 20gb quick enough?

i think the 1st post is the gayest sounding post ive ever read..

Its written with Sarcasm Deldwen.

P.S do you look like your avatar - because it's a picture of a bretty boy with blue hair wearing a disco shirt - and you were calling my post Gay? Ummm maybe want to rethink your remark - or your picture.

To add to the lovely favouritism Sony heaps onto Japan, they have announced a ceramic white colour ...plus an exclusive Dynasty Warriors 6 bundle for Christmas...

Are we getting the Dynasty Warriors bundle ?- ummm no, because EU, Australia and the US dont care about games we watch Bluray movies thats all... Good work Sony. We dont mind waiting longer for games.