Where's Lara when you need her?

So much for console unity!  Although many thought that we'd seen the end of varying models for Sony's recently saved next-generation console, it looks like some old habits die harder than others.  With the new stripped-down, 80-gig model just gaining traction, it seems that Sony took a look at the success of the Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 bundle and started salivating...could lightning strike twice?  With Microsoft releasing a new 60-gig model, Sony's upping the hard drive storage battle by adding a tremendously huge 160-gig model to their PS3 family, and doing fans one better by packing in the modern classic Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, a digital voucher for PAIN, and one of those new fancy DualShock 3 controllers all for $499.

Honestly, 160-gigs may seem like a bit of overkill, but there has to be people out there needing the extra space (or will) for the upcoming bevy of new and interesting PlayStation 3 games coming down the pipeline.  Plus, its nice to see Uncharted: Drake's Fortune get more love, as its still one of the better games for the platform and should gain more audience support.  Of course, picking up a 'standard' $399 PS3 and a copy of the game and DualShock will still net you a price tag of roughly $500, the extra-big hard drive space should make this set worthwhile for those who've yet to take the plunge come November.  Full press blurb below!

FOSTER CITY, Calif., August 20, 2008 - Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced plans to introduce a new 160GB PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system in North America as part of the limited-edition Uncharted: Drake's Fortune™ PS3 system bundle. The increased storage size enables entertainment enthusiasts to store even more movies, television shows, and games downloaded from PLAYSTATION®Network, as well as more videos, music, and photos from their personal collection. Slated to launch in November for $499.99 (MSRP), the 160GB PS3 system will come bundled with the hit game, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune™, a PLAYSTATION Network voucher for PAIN, and a DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller. The previously announced 80GB PS3 system ($399.99 MSRP) has started shipping to retailers.

"As PLAYSTATION Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity," said Jack Tretton, President and CEO, SCEA. "Consumers also are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand in a compelling bundle that delivers significant value."

The Uncharted: Drake's Fortune PS3 bundle includes the following components:

* 160GB PS3 system - The 160GB PS3 is a complete entertainment system comprising a Blu-ray™ Disc player, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, and Cell Broadband Engine™.
* Uncharted: Drake's Fortune™ - A 400-year-old clue found in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake sets a modern-day fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, on an exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The search turns deadly when Drake becomes stranded on the island and hunted by mercenaries. Outnumbered and outgunned, Drake and his companions must fight to survive as they begin to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the Island.
* PAIN PLAYSTATION Network Voucher - PAIN boldly tackles a rarely explored area of video-gaming comedy. The unique mechanic of the game allows the player to load a character into a human-sized, ultra-powerful slingshot, and fire the character into an active, physics-controlled environment, filled with precarious and humorous situations. Download PAIN from PLAYSTATION Store to your PS3 system with the included voucher.
* DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller - DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller provides the most intuitive game play experience with pressure sensors in each action button and the inclusion of the highly sensitive SIXAXIS™ motion sensing technology

The additional storage space of the 160GB model will benefit consumers, as several highly anticipated PLAYSTATION Network and PS3 games along with add-on content will be available for download soon, including PAIN Amusement Park, Ratchet & Clank®Future: Quest for Booty, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, and The Last Guy™. The bundle is also a great option for consumers who want to utilize PLAYSTATION Network's video delivery service, which offers new blockbuster movies and popular TV shows for download on an ongoing basis.

PS3 momentum has soared in 2008, starting with Blu-ray becoming the highdefinition standard and following the launches of key franchise titles, including Gran Turismo™ 5 Prologue, Grand Theft Auto™ IV, and Metal Gear Solid®4: Guns of the Patriots. That momentum will continue into the holidays and beyond, as PS3's software lineup will offer the most depth and breadth of any platform across the industry, delivering highly anticipated exclusives such as BUZZ!™: Quiz TV, LittleBigPlanet™, Resistance™ 2, MotorStorm™ Pacific Rift, and Killzone™ 2.