Sony drops Japanese PS3 price, adds HDMI to all models; Microsoft comps early model 360 repairs.

Once in a while, the planets align, the wind changes, and video game companies decide to do what's best for the customer. Yesterday was one of those days. At the company's Tokyo Game Show keynote, Sony announced that the PlayStation 3's launch price in Japan would drop from approximately $515 to $430, for the standard model only. For those who turned a blind eye to Sony's lesser SKU, you may want to reconsider, as it was announced that the cheaper bundle will now also include HDMI support. For those of you keeping score, the premium bundle now boasts a 60GB hard drive to the standard version's 20GB; as well as Wi-Fi support, while the standard can connect via an Ethernet cable. Like the Xbox 360, you can upgrade the core model with various accessories.

On the subject of the Xbox 360, Microsoft is attempting to make amends with irate early adopters whose consoles were sent in for repairs. The company announced yesterday that any defective consoles purchased between the November 22 2005 launch and the end of the year will get pro bono product service. Customers who've already paid for their system repairs--such as yours truly--will get a refund on prior services. I wonder what I'll do with my $130 refund?! Probably buy some Xbox 360 games...

Source: GameSpot