Sony has claimed that Ken Kutaragi's much-criticised decision to launch a PS3 as a £425 'future proof' console has now been justified.

The pricey RRP was slapped on Sony's machine when it launched in the UK in 2007 - making it a more expensive option than Xbox 360.

Many consumers rallied against the price but Sony believes that PS3's unique selling points - including 3D and Blu-ray capability - now show it was right to launch a high-end, costly system.

"Ken Kutaragi specced this machine many years ago and people thought he over-specced it," UK PlayStation boss Ray Maguire told CVG in a 3D-focused interview. "I think what we're proving is that he was right.

"Although the specification made it a £425 entry level machine, that was exactly the right thing to do because it gives us much more longevity in terms of life-cycle.

"The last thing I would want to do be doing is replacing three cheaper machines over three years - rather than having something like PS3, that that lasts for seven to ten years."