As rumors have suggested, it appears Sony is itching to deplete its stock of 80GB PS3 models to make way for a slimmed down version of the original hardware. According to a Kotaku report, citing numerous retail store employees, Best Buy will begin offering a 80GB PS3 bundle containing Killzone 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4 as pack-ins next Sunday.

While most bundles come with a premium price tag to justify their additions, this particular one will cost $399.99, the same price as a standalone 80GB unit. Seeing as Killzone 2 is still sold at full price, that’s a savings of around $90. If you’ve been in the market for a PS3, now might be the time to jump on one. Then again, if rumors pan out, the PS3 Slim may be right around the corner as well, which makes waiting it out a couple more months another option for prospective purchasers. It’s your choice.

PS3 Value Bundle With Killzone 2, MGS 4 As Pack-Ins Hitting Best Buy - [eXophase.com]

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan announced today that Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will enter into the company’s “PLAYSTATION 3 the Best” budget line on June 18.

As a result, the universally-acclaimed masterpiece will receive a permanent price reduction, down to 3,990 yen ($41). Sure doesn’t scream budget, but you have to take into account that the value of the yen has been appreciating as of late.

MGS 4 has already been discounted over in Europe, so that only leaves North America left standing in regards to paying the full retail price of $60. Here’s hoping SCEA decides to invite more of its best-selling titles into the Greatest Hits fold later this year.

Solid Snake continues to rake in the big bucks for publisher and developer Konami. In its latest earnings report published today, the company recorded net income figures of 17.8 billion, up 17.3 percent from the previous fiscal year.

Furthermore, the report unsurprisingly revealed that Metal Gear Solid 4 was a substantial revenue generator for the company. Despite being limited to one format, it managed to shift an impressive 4.5 million copies throughout 2008. Current-generation exclusives, while a risky business in today’s market without backing from a first party, can still be profitable.

In a closing statement, Konami did however warn that due to the slowing economy and worldwide decline in consumer spending, it is staying conservative on its fiscal 2009 outlook. The company is forecasting a net income of 18.5 billion for 2009.

An interesting statistic: taking the current PS3 install base into account, which is hovering around 20 million, at least 1 in every 5 PS3 owners have a copy of MGS4.