Notorious Aussie PS3 boss Michael Ephraim has unconditionally stated that the rumoured 11,000 PS3’s for the Australian PS3 launch is false.

“I can categorically assure you that this rumour is completely unfounded. On day of launch the number of PS3s available through retailers will far exceed this number. Let me put it to you this way, alone the current number of PS3 pre-orders exceeds this number and with a month still to launch, we are expecting many more, all of which we aim to meet,” he said.

You know, it might be easier for those 11,000 consumers who have pre-ordered to flush their $1000 down the toilet. Same effect.

The fun doesn’t stop there though. Sony has been under fire as of late. Not the usual “my PS2 broke after I looked at it funny,” fire, but more along the lines of “Why the hell are Australians paying $230 more than Americans for the same product?” And believe me, that shit is burning strong.

When converted, the US price for the PS3 is $770 in Australian dollars. Michael said the higher price is justified because of Australia’s currency exchange and small population size when compared to the USA.

“We have to realise that we live in a country with 22 million people, and the US supplies product to 300 million, which creates very different business dynamics,” Ephraim said.

Still doesn’t justify the price, no matter how you spin it. But, using your view Michael, what about Europe? Last time I checked, Europe had a hell of a lot more people than Australia and after converting price, they’re still paying the same price as us. Oh, I forgot, it’s common for Europe to get screwed over when it comes to video games. My mistake.

- Aaron Kleemann