PC hardware maker Buffalo has received official PlayStation licensing for two external hard drives. According to Buffalo, this is the first time Sony has granted licensing to hard drive peripherals, a move that comes in anticipation of March’s release of PS3′s “Torne” digital video recorder kit.

Both drives have 500GB capacity and connect to the PS3 via an included USB 2.0 cable. The ¥14,800 Piano Black HD-AV500U2/SC sits horizontally and has a meter on its front showing remaining space. The ¥11,800 Black HD-CL500U2/SC stands vertically but lacks the meter.

Of course, the PS3 is already compatible with many general external hard drives, so it’s unclear if official licensing carries any real merit here.