Sony is strengthening its presence in Brazil with the local manufacturing of the PlayStation 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system as part of its commitment to invest in the growth of the gaming industry in the country. The PS3 systems are manufactured by Sony Brasil Ltda. in Manaus, state of Amazonas. The suggested retail price of a locally manufactured PS3 (250GB) is $1,099 Reais (MSRP).

Both Andrew House, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., and Jack Tretton, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America, participated in an press conference held in Sao Paulo, Brazil to acknowledge the significant milestone.

"Sony Computer Entertainment continues to invest in the Brazil game market as part of our long-term commitment to the country and its gamers," said House. "Locally manufacturing PlayStation 3 in Brazil will benefit gamers, retailers and developers. The local manufacture of PlayStation 3 is expected to infuse the Brazilian economy with approximately $300 million over the next 12 months."

"Brazil is home to some of the most passionate gamers in the world and we're focused on providing them with the best entertainment experiences that can only be found on PlayStation," said Tretton. "With today's manufacturing announcement and the amazing lineup of localized games, there's never been a better time to join the PlayStation family if you live in Brazil."

Other announcements included the much action-adventure game from Naughty Dog, The Last of Us, which will launch in Brazil simultaneously with the worldwide release, fully localized in Brazilian Portuguese. In addition, Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto V will be the first Grand Theft Auto ever to be localized with text into Brazilian Portuguese. During the event, Sony Computer Entertainment also announced a new software bundle for God of War Ascension that includes a 250GB PS3 system and the God of War: Ascension game for R$1,099 (MSRP).