PlayStation 3 memory beefed up in North America

Sony Computer Entertainment America announced Tuesday it is beefing up the storage capacity of PlayStation 3 (PS3) videogame consoles that will be available in North America.

PS3 consoles will be able to hold about 33 percent more data, with hard disk drive options growing to 160 gigabytes and 320 gigabytes, according to Sony.

The increased memory space is a response to growing demand for digital content that can be downloaded at PlayStation Network, the Japanese electronics colossus said in a release.

More than a billion pieces of digital content have reportedly been downloaded at PlayStation Network, an online arena for playing games and getting software that adds new chapters to existing titles.

"As PlayStation Network continues to evolve with exciting new services, the hunger for digital content grows," said vice president of product marketing Scott Steinberg.

People increasingly use videogame consoles to store music, films, pictures and other data as the devices become entertainment hubs in homes.

The 160 gigabyte PS3 will have the same 300 dollar price tag as its predecessor.

A 320 gigabyte model packaged with Sony's soon-to-be-released motion-sensing Move controller hardware and a game will be priced at 400 dollars.