Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection ships in US

Konami US has confirmed the shipping of Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection in America. The PS2 pack features all the Metal Gear games so far, including MGS, MGS2 (director’s cut) and MGS3 “in a commemorative package with artwork by renowned Metal Gear Solid artist Yoji Shinkawa”.

No word on this coming to Europe, and it's looking distinctly unlikely in the near future if we're being realistic. Konami Europe's made no noise on it whatsoever up to now.

Press release after the link.

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Metal Gear Solid ®: The Essential Collection for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system has shipped to retailers nationwide. Featuring the original Metal Gear Solid for the PlayStation game console, the director's cut of Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3, fans and newcomers have the chance to get fully immersed in the Metal Gear Solid universe before the release of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Additionally, the title comes in a commemorative package with artwork by renowned Metal Gear Solid artist Yoji Shinkawa.

"The Metal Gear Solid series created a unique stealth action genre within videogames, and subsequently became one of the most popular game franchises in the world," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. "Now gamers have the chance to experience the evolution of a groundbreaking series in one collectible package. Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection is an amazing value for gamers.

Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and sells for a suggested retail price of $29.99. For more information visit the website at www.konami.com.