Oh, I forgot to add: Those who don't want to queue up and pre-order online the PS3 on Sony's website instead will get a Limited Edition PS3 bag and a Soul Calibur IV CD holder.

I don't have enough money. ;_; I'm saving up for my Japan trip at the end of the month, so how to buy it now?

Still not up. ^^; Sony Malaysia is still preparing it, but they gave me the green light to announce the news. This is so that people who want to participate in the competitions (especially the Sony PS3 Game Girl contest) will have enough time to prepare and register.

The cash voucher can only be used for the next Sony product purchase, but it's still a good deal.

The launch will take place outdoors at the 1Utama (new wing) main entrance at High Street...so technically you *could* camp outside. Hopefully the security guards won't chase you away.

This post has been edited by Ruff Bark: Sep 1 2008, 12:27 PM

Just a minor update: I've corrected the cash voucher amount that the 21st to 50th person would receive. It's RM300, not RM350. ^^; Sorry for the inconvenience.

As of last week, Sony Malaysia was still finalizing some of the event details. But I've gotten the green light from a key person of Sony Malaysia to post up the details as some competitions such as the PS3 Game Girl competition has an early registration deadline date of 10th September 2008. By the time our magazine comes out with the news, it would be too early for the ladies to register for that contest. But the 24 hour gaming marathon has a registration deadline of 18th September, so you still got plenty of time to brush up your skills.

Also today's a long Merdeka break...I don't think anyone's working today.

This post has been edited by Ruff Bark: Sep 1 2008, 03:29 PM

Actually, basically people get into a queue to play SCIV. If you lose 2 out of 3 sets, you need to go back to the end of the queue while the winner stays to take on other challengers. If that winner loses next time around, he'll also go back to the end of the queue. At the end of the 24 hours, the top 8 people with the highest number of wins will be selected for the semifinals.

I'm not sure whether I should post the rules here, or post it as a separate thread in the Console forum. What do you think?

This post has been edited by Ruff Bark: Sep 1 2008, 05:57 PM

;_;

No, not yet. I'd expect advertisements in the papers when it's closer to the launch date. If they put it now, people will forget by the time the event begins.

Actually, I wouldn't mind getting this color...

I've already emailed my contact in Sony Malaysia about the issues that you guys have raised about the launch event (What PS3 model will be sold, will there be DS3, etc). Hopefully I should have more details soon.

But one thing that my contact more or less confirmed is that Malaysia should be getting their own PSN Store too.

We have ninjas in Sony Malaysia.

I'll be posting the basic tournament rules for the gaming marathon in the main Console forum later today. However, I've been informed by my contact in Sony that the official announcement and websites for registering for the comps and pre-ordering the PS3 should be up either by today or tomorrow. Much of the delay is attributed to most of the staff going on a company trip overseas during the Merdeka weekend break. ^^;

Okay guys, I got some bad news that you're not going to like.

No, the launch event is not canceled. HOWEVER, I've just received word from Sony Malaysia that the pricing and the bundle will be revised. So I've been requested to remove the listing of the bundle contents and the pricing.

Right now they're still in discussion with Sony Hong Kong to finalize the pricing and bundle content. But the console that will be sold on that day will still be the 80GB PS3 model (not confirmed which version it is). As far as I know, the promotions for the first 100 people who buy a PS3 on that day still stand.

Haiz, and I already printed the price and bundle contents list in this month's issue of GameAxis...

This post has been edited by Ruff Bark: Sep 3 2008, 02:33 PM

Unfortunately according to my source, lowering the price is unlikely.

From what I understand, they may either revise the bundle content so that the price remains at RM1699 but with less one game, or they may increase the price with either the same content or with additional items. It should be lower than RM1999, but after this latest news I don't dare speculate lest I get another phone call from Sony Malaysia.

This post has been edited by Ruff Bark: Sep 3 2008, 03:03 PM

K-End: I did tell them that, but I guess they forgot to calculate the cost margins when bringing the unit over to Malaysia. That's why they requested for the price/bundle revision notice before they officially announce it on their website...even though they previously gave me the green light to post the announcement.

Well, who knows. Maybe they might come up with a better offer or change their mind. Hopefully something more concrete will be posted by tomorrow.

This post has been edited by Ruff Bark: Sep 3 2008, 03:15 PM

On the plus side, the Sony Style website has been updated with a countdown clock to the PS3 launch event.

http://corp.sony.com.my/3/

lol, looks like a typo there. I'll let Sony Malaysia know.

BTW, I've some answers to the questions that you guys posted earlier. I've copied-pasted most of his answers here with some of my own notes added.

1) When will the official website to pre-order the Sony PS3 bundle be up? In addition, when will the website to register for the Gaming Marathon and Game Girl contests be online?

All this will up on 8th September.

2) What model will the PS3 console be? US or Asian version?

Asian version

3) What colors will be available for the console? Only piano black, or will the white/silver color model be available?

Only black

4) Is it possible to buy the console only without the games?

The games are free, no rebate even if they decide not to take the games

5) Is the offer of RM1699 only valid on the day of the launch, or will it also be valid at Sony Stores after the launch? If it’s only valid on the day of the launch, how much is the bundle RRP after the event? (note: I asked this question a few days ago before they announced the price and bundle revision)

Final price for this launching will be RM1799, yes it will be valid in sony store, but will be different packages. FYI they wont be able to enjoy the cash voucher if they missed this

(note: I'm assuming that the original bundle still stands, but now it's priced higher at RM1799)

6) Will Malaysia get its own PlayStation Store Network?

Will be available by end of year. Actual date to be confirmed

7) Will the console bundle come with a DualShock 3 controller or not?

No, you will need to purchase it

8) What are the PS3 titles that buyers will be able to choose from when they buy the bundle, besides Soul Calibur IV?

Aside from SC4 - assassin creed / resistance / ninja gaiden / rachet and clank

(note: Not a bad selection. At least it's not just Resistance and Ridge Racer 7 like last time)

9) Will Credit Card transactions be accepted at the event? Or is it cash only?

Credit card is accepted. You can pay in installments to up to 12 months, but it's only for Maybank Credit Card users.

10) Will there be any other promotions, events, or activities on the day of the launch?

Game tournament from 19-20th and the game girl competition. (note: will post this up later today)

This post has been edited by Ruff Bark: Sep 4 2008, 11:20 AM

Actually, the 80GB PS3 without the DS3 controller looks to be the new $400 80GB PS3 that was announced in E308 back in July, i.e. the "Core Pack".

http://kotaku.com/5025521/400-80-gb-ps3-announced

Aiks...I need to check my eyes. *3*

I'll check with them to clarify the issue. But Japanese software backwards compatibility wouldn't be so bad...I'll be able to play my Japanese KOF fighting games on it.

This post has been edited by Ruff Bark: Sep 4 2008, 12:10 PM