the 160GB PlayStation 3 was officially announced for PAL regions. However, we just now got even bigger news from a Sony press release that will appeal to just about anyone still considering a PS3 purchase.

Today, Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced their plans to introduce the 160GB PS3 to North America, and it will first arrive in the form of a Limited Edition Uncharted: Drake's Fortune bundle. It will have the most agreeable price of $499.99 and will be on store shelves in November, just in time for the crazy holiday rush. As a bonus, Sony will be including a PlayStation Network voucher for PAIN along with the expected Dual Shock 3 wireless controller.

"As PLAYSTATION Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "Consumers also are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand in a compelling bundle that delivers significant value."

How's that for a holiday statement from Sony? There's no doubt that with Resistance 2 and LittleBigPlanet dropping at the end of the year, this bundle (that includes one of the system's best titles, by the way) will get a whole lot of attention from those who have been waiting to pick up the PS3. Great news, indeed.