20 GB PS3 to include HDMI and possibly sell for less @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on September 22, 2006

News: Both PS3s will be 'True HD' after all.

Sony has announced that the 20 GB PlayStation 3 model will include with an HDMI port when it ships in November. Sony had earlier axed the feature (which may be required to play Blu-Ray movies at 1080p, the highest resolution available) and was collectively booed by gamers and the gaming press.

Here's what Sony had to say about it:
"Since SCEI first announced product specifications of PS3 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in May 2005, demand for enjoying full HD quality image and realistic digital sound through HDMI has grown tremendously. Given the sharp increase in availability of flat displays supporting HDMI in the market, SCEI has decided to equip HDMI as standard on all PS3 systems."

In other news, Sony also announced they're dropping the price of the 20 GB model in Japan to 49,980 yen with tax included (about $427). It's unknown whether a similar price drop will happen for America.

So after all this time, it appears that Sony is finally listening to their fans. Let's hope that trend continues.

UPDATE: It appears 1up had a little chat with Sony and the price drop has been confirmed for Japan only. That officially bites.