Sony’s also priced up the all-important extras too – the “innovative experiences” as will be downloadable from the Playstation Network, which includes BlastFactor, flOw and Super Rub a Dub. Speaking of Rubs, here’s Sony’s – the previously listed games will be available at “introductory Period” prices ranging from €2.99 to €9.99 (approx £2.00 - £6.70). No mention is made of a regular pricing structure once the introductory period has passed, or how long it lasts though.

Finally Sony’s announced the starting point for other first party downloadable content, which will include such things as extra tunes for Singstar or, say, a Premium Pack for Motorstorm comprising new tracks, vehicles, modes etc. Pricing for this kind of thing will be based on an easy-to-understand sliding scale of charges starting as low as €0.99 (around 66p), although no upper limit is mentioned and you can think again if you’re expecting to get the Motorstorm pack for less than a quid!

In introducing these keen (if only temporarily) prices SCEE’s President, David Reeves didn’t miss the opportunity to stick it to Microsoft, stating: “Not only will it be completely free to register on the Playstation Network with no subscription fees and access to many free demos, but with these competitive prices for additional content we are able to offer the consumer both top quality games on Blu-ray discs and a whole range of downloadable content from the Playstation Network.”

Get all that? Nice use of emotive terms like “free”, “no subscription fees”, “competitive prices” too. We must remember to bear all that in mind as we’re handing over the better part of – gah! – half a thousand pounds for one of these lovely machines...