Sony Computer Entertainment Australia announced late last week that PlayStation 2 will arrive on retail stands on Thursday, November 30, for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $749 (Australian dollars).

Australia will follow Europe's launch, on November 24, because of different production schedules and DVD zoning requirements, Sony said. The delayed release date wasn't too much of a surprise to industry pundits and analysts after Sony Computer Entertainment Europe announced its date of November 24, 2000, but still, for Australian gamers, the news can't be all good. The Australian price of $749 converts to $436.37 US dollars, about $137 more than the PS2 in the US.

Sony Australia reports that 20-25 PS2 titles will be released for launch in Australia come November 30, with a total of 40 games coming by the end of the year.

"Our objective is to have as much stock as possible available before we launch PlayStation 2 in Australia, as feedback from consumers indicates there will be strong demand for the new computer entertainment system," said Michael Ephraim, Managing Director of SCE Australia.

Chris Deering, president of SCE Europe, in reference to the European launch, said: " The performance of PlayStation 2 continues to exceed even the most optimistic forecasts in Japan. In fact, we will be shipping many times the number of PlayStation units when it was released in September 1995 (November 1995 in Australia). We believe that our recommended retail price point represents great value for money for consumers offering interactive entertainment, DVD-video and future-proof technology poised to lead the broadband revolution."

To check the official Sony Australia Website for the release, go to, www.playstation.com.au.

Thanks to Ben.