We've been expecting it for some time, following our exclusive confirmation that the PS3 would be getting 3D gaming earlier in the year.

Then we had the PS3 3.30 firmware update in April, and now the time has finally arrived for the PS3 to go 3D.

From Thursday, Sony America's John Koller, Director, Hardware Marketing, has confirmed that it will be giving gamers the chance to play 3D games on the PS3 in their home.

"Hi everyone! The moment is here — starting tomorrow [Thursday], high-definition stereoscopic 3D gaming will be available in your very own living rooms," says Koller in a blog post on the Sony PS3 site. "As you already know, all PlayStation 3 systems are already equipped with everything they need to play stereoscopic 3D games. Thanks to a free firmware update released this past April, the PS3 system is the only console on the market that can support full stereoscopic 3D gaming — right from your living room, and with no additional charge."

In the UK and Europe, you can download all four games for the bargain price of €29.99 or pick them up for free when you buy a Sony Bravia 3D TV package. Of course, if you already own WipEout HD, SuperStardust HD or PAIN, there will be a free software update, so that you can play them in 3D.

The news comes as Sony Electronics announced its 3D capable BRAVIA HDTVs are now available for pre-sale and will ship to retailers later this month in the US.

A UK announcement is expected to be confirmed on Thursday morning in the UK.

To give PS3, and new 3D capable BRAVIA television owners, a sample of 3D entertainment at its best, 3D-capable BRAVIA HDTVs will come with PlayStation Network vouchers to download these four stereoscopic 3D game experiences, which total more than 100 hours of gameplay, says Sony.

"We’re also announcing that The Fight: Lights Out will be available in stereoscopic 3D, combining PlayStation Move with 3D to deliver an immersive and realistic gaming experience unlike anything you’ve played before," continues Koller. "This is only a small taste of the 3D experiences you can expect with the new 3D capable BRAVIA HDTVs and PS3."

However, while the console is 3D ready for games, those hoping to watch a 3D Blu-ray will have to wait a little longer. That update isn't expected until later in the year.

The games available include:

WipEout HD (full game): Experience the adrenalin rush of navigating the twists and turns of futuristic racetracks at breathtaking speeds like never before.

Super Stardust HD (full game): Experience asteroids fly past you as you navigate the deadly battleground — only a battle on a cosmic level will save the indigenous life below from destruction.

PAIN: The stereoscopic 3D content will include the Downtown area and tutorial along with three modes, including two new modes created specifically with stereoscopic 3D in mind, Alien Toss and Ice Breaker.

MotorStorm Pacific Rift (demo): MotorStorm Pacific Rift in stereoscopic 3D puts you in the driver’s seat of a buggy for a one track, single player race around the deadly Kanaloa Bay for a dangerously real battle against ruthless opponents.

Phew!