The PS3 incarnation of what’s probably Valve’s most successful release to date has met a few unpleasantries along the way - first the development was handed off to EA because Valve co-founder Gabe Newell thinks the PS3 is “a waste of everybody’s time,” then its release was delayed for weeks until after the PC and 360 versions and even thought to be delayed further, all the way into early 2008. Thankfully an EA rep spoke up and confirmed that the game is still on for a 2007 release.

But now, an exact release date is finally known - The Orange Box for PS3 will be available on store shelves on December 14th, Eurogamer has learned from EA.

Just in case you’ve been totally oblivious to the best deal in recent memory, The Orange Box contains five games for the price of one: Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode One, Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Team Fortress 2 and Portal. A deal to die for by any standard.

[See also: The Orange Box gallery]