G4TV

There seems to be some confusion over the release of Metal Gear Solid 4, the two versions, and the hardware bundles. Sony was kind enough to detail everything you'd ever want to know about this upcoming release.

We already covered the box-art reveal as well as pricing/goodies on the Limited edition, but here's the scoop on the two (2!) hardware bundles.

First, the Standard Edition hardware bundle, pictured above, will include an 80GB (backwards compatible) PS3, the Standard Edition of MGS4, and a DualShock 3 controller all for $500.

Hit the break for details on the mega-limited, limited edition of the hardware bundle.

The big news is that Sony is "confirming that there will be a North America offering of this VERY, VERY Limited Edition bundle! This is the “gunmetal grey” PS3" that is so popular in Japan. There are no additional details yet.

Finally, regarding Metal Gear Online, Sony wants to assure us that this is not a demo or teaser. It is a full featured multiplayer game that will be expanded through DLC. That is what it's being referred to as a "Starter Pack".

Gamers that want to participate in the beta, which runs from April 21 - May 5, will have to go pre-order the game right now from GameStop. They will receive the Metal Gear Saga Vol. 2 DVD, which includes the beta invite.

I will pretty much be on the beta non-stop while it's running so add my PSN tag: "empathe". I expect an elite team of awesomeness, so suit up and I'll see you on April 21.

Check out the full blog post at the official PlayStation.blog for more.