Sony confirms higher price point for PlayStation 3 in Ireland

Sony has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that the 60GB PlayStation 3 will retail for EUR 629.99 in Ireland - but said the price is still set at EUR 599 for the rest of Europe.

"Ireland is traditionally more expensive than other territories," the spokesperson explained.

"The VAT rate there is 21 per cent, whereas it can be as low as 16 per cent in other EU countries."

News of a higher EU price point emerged after GI.biz reported that the higher price point had been revealed on the Irish version of the PS3 website.

The SCE spokesperson confirmed that the information is correct, but added, "This doesn't change the previously announced figures of EUR 499 and EUR 599 for the rest of Europe."

Further details of the European launch are expected to be announced within the next two weeks.