Sony is definitely getting ready for the holidays - after announcing a 40GB unit and cutting prices in Europe, they’ve now done the same in North America.

The entry-level 40GB PS3 will go on sale starting November 2nd with a $399 price tag and is bundled with a copy of the Spider-Man 3 movie, on Blu-Ray disc naturally.

If 40GB isn’t enough for you and you require backwards compatibility then you’ll be happy to know that Sony also lowered the 80GB PS3’s price by a $100. Meaning it now costs $499, effective immediately.

Jack Tretton, President and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment America: “We’re pleased to offer the consumer a lower price point without sacrificing the core technology components that make PS3 the most advanced high-definition entertainment system available. Every PS3 comes with a Blu-ray drive, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, Cell Broadband Engine and a built-in hard-drive. This holiday season we’ll be able to offer attractive retail pricing with a broad portfolio of outstanding games including Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, THE EYE OF JUDGMENT, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Heavenly Sword, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Assassin’s Creed, Haze and RockBand.”

Will Sony’s sales skyrocket in the US just like they did in the UK ? We really don’t see why not but of course only time will tell for sure.