Sony, no stranger to launch events gone awry, made right by some UK PlayStation 3 campers during last night's launch event at a Virgin Megastore in London. Not only did they ensure that none of them left with any additional perforations in their fleshy bits, but they actually saddled the first 100 up with a 46" high-definition telly and a free cab ride home (presumably from Big Al's Comically Large Taxi Service). The television giveaway, each reported to be worth £2500 (about $5000 US), was a great way to spice up the launch of a console that's battled, err, some publicity problems these past couple months.With a high-price tag, plenty of stock, and no crazy Christmas shopping crunch, the European launch could never live up to other recent events, but we're sure the 100 lucky winners of the televisions -- "a reward for gamers' patience" -- don't mind. And, instead of bragging (erroneously) about shortages, they're advertising their strengths: supply. Ray Maguire, PlayStation's UK chieftan, said, "We have got plenty of stock in shops, so people know they don't have to rush out to secure a console." But if you did rush out, well ... isn't that a nice screen?
Check out Pro-G's video of the UK launch here and skip ahead to 2:30 to spot the giveaway.
[Thanks everyone! Now, who got a free TV?]
