Sony PS3 gets slimmer (and cheaper with 12GB flash model)

A day ahead of the annual Tokyo Games Show, Japanese electronics giant Sony introduced a new version of its PlayStation 3 console. The 5th generation PS3 refresh features a more compact, slimmer console, and more storage capacity. While previous models offered 160GB and 320GB of storage, the 2012 PS3 comes with 250GB and 500GB. On top of that, Sony also prepared a new budget model with a mere 12GB of flash storage.

While the previous PS3 Slim measured 290mm x 65mm x 290mm (W x H x D), the new model has a form factor of just 290mm x 60mm x 230mm and now weighs only 2.1kg, almost a third less than the 3.2kg of the previous-generation PS3. Details on which process node was used to manufacture the PS3's new GPU and CPU are unknown, but the specifications reveal maximum power consumption is now only 190W, half of what the first-generation PS3s consumed and 10W less than the latest 4th generation models.

Pricing and availability depends on your location, the 250GB model will hit the US on September 25th for $269 (in a bundle with Unchartered 3), while the 500GB version will follow on October 30th for $299. The 500GB model will arrive in Europe on September 28th for 299EUR, but in this part of the world Sony will not offer the 250GB model. Instead, the company has prepared a budget version with 12GB of flash memory, which will arrive on October 12th for 229EUR.

Sony's PS3 refresh will compete against Microsoft's Xbox 360 console which is available starting at $200 with 4GB of flash memory, and Nintendo's Wii U, which will hit the US on November 18 for $299.99.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that a new PlayStation®3(PS3®) computer entertainment system (body color: charcoal black / classic white*1), featuring a new design and a downsized form factor, will become available worldwide this holiday season. The new PS3 will come in 3 models including extended built in Hard Disk Drive (HDD) capacity of 500GB model and 250GB model, and a newly added 12GB flash memory model initially for Europe only. Availability of models, prices and launch dates of the new PS3 system in each region are as follows.

Thanks to a complete redesign of the internal architecture, the volume and weight of the new PS3 has been reduced by more than half compared to the very first PS3 model with a 60GB HDD, and by 20% and 25% respectively compared to the current PS3. By adopting a sliding disk cover, the new PS3 continues with the characteristic sleek curved body design, which fits various places in the home and enables users to enjoy an array of entertainment content.

With the extra HDD capacity which has been extended from 320GB and 160GB, users can store and enjoy more and more entertainment content including games, music, photos, and video on the new PS3. In addition, the new PS3 with 12GB flash memory offers opportunities to experience the world of PlayStation® at an affordable price point. Users can also expand the storage capacity of the 12GB flash memory PS3 by connecting a dedicated HDD (250GB) to be released concurrently with the new model5. In addition, a variety of accessories will be introduced by SCE to meet various kinds of needs from users including a vertical stand that offers more flexibility in how the new PS3 can be displayed*6.

Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 3,300 titles and more than 4,100*7 downloadable PS3 games are available worldwide, thanks to support from a broad range of third party developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from third party developers and publishers as well as SCE Worldwide Studios, including Assassin's Creed III (Ubisoft Entertainment.), Call of Duty Black Ops 2 (Activision Publishing, Inc.), Madden NFL 13 (Electronic Arts Inc.), PlayStation® All-Stars Battle Royale, LittleBigPlanet Karting, God of War: Ascension (Sony Computer Entertainment), and more.

SCE will further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform which is in the 7th year of its lifecycle, by continually releasing a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles and offering users a choice from a variety of hardware models.

*1 The new PS3 in classic white will become available in Japan from November. Other regions and countries will follow this
*2 Only PS3 system bundled with software title will become available.
*3 Prices will vary by country across Europe.
*4 PS3 with flash memory 12GB will be sold in Europe and Hong Kong
*5 When using dedicated HDD, flash memory cannot be used as inner storage
*6 Users will need to use the separately sold "Vertical Stand" to set the new PS3 in vertical position.
*7 Includes PS one® classics and free of charge content (downloadable demos).