Instead of cutting the price of the in - a 100 USD cut on Monday saw double stateside - Computer Entertainment Europe has instead opted to release a 'PlayStation 3 Starter Pack'. The new pack will still cost 425 GBP (in the UK) or 599 Euro, but will bundle the (60gb) console with a second controller and two games.

While this certainly makes the system better value, it isn't the price cut many were hoping for, and leaves Europe looking decidedly expensive compared to North America. The Starter Pack will launch in the on July 18th, and will hit the rest of Europe on August 1st. As mentioned, the new pack will include two Sixaxis controllers, and a choice of two of the following titles: Resistance: Fall of Man, Motorstorm, Genji: Days of the Blade, Championship Edition and Ridge Racer 7.

"With sell-through of over 1.2 million units in the SCEE territories to date, PlayStation 3 has proved to be an instant and huge success," commented Dr. David Reeves, president of SCEE.

Sony are also at pains to point out that the new pack contains an extra 115 GBP worth of value in the form of the extra Sixaxis controller and the two games.

While this is undoubtedly better value for people who have so far resisted taking the plunge, it still leaves the PS3 over 100 GBP more expensive then the 360 and over 200 GBP dearer than the Wii.

There’s still no word on whether the new 80gb PS3 will make it to the European market. And with an imminent announcement expected on an improved controller – now with added rumble – cynics may ponder whether this new pack is an attempt to drain the stocks of the old controller before the revamped Sixaxis makes its appearance.

Alternatively, was it simply too soon to expect a price cut in a region where the console has only been available less than four months, would Sony have been willing to risk the ire of early-adopters quite so brazenly? Time will tell if this bundle entices more gamers.

By Luke Guttridge & Sam Gibson