Retailers like Gamestop already started to ship the new 80GB Sony PS3 over the weekend. Now Sony officially announces the availability of the new PS3 console edition. Amazon.com updated its shipping date target and also ships now immediately.

Besides the a bit larger hard-drive the 80GB PS3 comes bundled with the online-enabled MotorStorm game. The price is $599.99.
If you do not like MotorStorm, the $499.99 60GB Sony PS3 (Amazon.com) is the better deal.

If you get a Sony PS3 you also still qualify (until September 30th) for the 5 free Blu-ray movie offer.

Sony says that since the $100 Sony PS3 price-cut on July 9th, the console sales at the company's top five retailers have jumped 113% when compared to the average sales of four weeks prior to the price drop.

SCEA will continue to sell the 60GB in the US and Canada at the new, reduced price until current inventory is depleted, which is predicted to be this fall based on current consumer demand.