Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) officially announced new Sony PlayStation 3 80GB product bundle. The video game system features a new game controller as well as included game, however, there is no word whether the new PS3 80GB is or is not compatible with Sony PlayStation and PlayStation 2 machines.

“Working closely with our retail and publishing partners and sharing our hardware and software roadmaps at Destination PlayStation gives us a great opportunity to outline some key milestones for the year.  In response to incredible demand, we will be manufacturing more 80GB PS3s for North America and the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 80GB PS3 bundle is an ideal way to offer that continued value to our consumers,” said Jack Tretton, president and chief executive of SCEA. 

The new version of PlayStation 3 80GB, which is due to be available in April, 2008, will come with DualShock 3 game controller as well as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots game. While Sony has not indicated whether the new version of PlayStation 3 is compatible or incompatible with games developed for PlayStation and PlayStation 2, considering the fact that the company usually notifies its customers regarding this kind of limitations, the new PS3 80GB is more than likely to be backwards compatible. The new PS3 80GB will retail for $499 in the USA.

SCEA also said it would introduce the Dual Shock 3 wireless controller for the first time in North America in April 2008 for $54.95. DualShock 3  incorporates both rumble and motion sensing Sixaxis technologies, which enhances the gamer experience with more interactive, intuitive and immersive game play experience and will work with more than 100 current PS3 titles.

“With Blu-ray having won the format war, our stellar software line-up and a broad product portfolio, we will continue to drive the incredible momentum we’ve been generating since last fall,” Mr. Tretton added.