With the launch of PlayStation 3 just two weeks away, what better time for Sony to introduce a limited edition run of the PlayStation 2, in a fetching candy-floss shade of pink? You know, for girls. (Shame the entire thing hasn't been coated in glitter, as Nintendo did for its Pink Swarovski Crystal Nintendo DS Lite.)

The pink PS2 is released in NZ and Australia on March 15; PlayStation 3 hits March 23. We don't quite get the timing either, especially as ol' pinky was released in Europe and the UK several months ago. Perhaps it's because thousands upon thousands of European women have eagerly taken up gaming in recent months, having held back their lust for war strategies and 1st person shooters until they could finally purchase a console to match their pink-hued home decor. Perhaps not.

Other recent highlights from the "let's break into the lucrative female market by making a pink one" approach to consumer electronics marketing include: LG's pink chocolate phone; the Asus pink leather notebook (admittedly rather covetable, this one); even the C2 metallic pink Taser.

As for the pink PS2? Hold out till the 23rd, ladies -- black is the new pink.