During Sony’s Tokyo Game Show 2012 conference the much rumoured ‘super slim’ PS3 was finally unveiled and it seems that we can expect to see it in three variations – although only two will release in each territory.
In North America you can expect to see a 250GB model land on September 25th as part of an Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Game of the Year Edition bundle – which also includes $30 of Dust 514 content – for $269.99.
Following that, to coincide with the launch of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed III a 500GB bundle will be released on October 30th, which comes with four PS3 only levels.
EU users can look forward to picking up the 500GB PS3 super slim from September 28th in a FIFA 13 bundle for around €299.99.
A 12GB PS3 will also be made available on October 12th, which will contain all of it’s internal storage in the form of flash memory. Sony are making a 250GB expansion internal HDD available, however you can also opt to purchase a 5″ mounting bracket so you can install your own SATA HDD into the console. The console will retail at €229.99.
Owners of the 12GB model will be able to connect a 5 inch SATA internal hard drive with use of an official Mounting Bracket, or opt for purchase of an official PlayStation 250GB internal HDD.
No UK prices have been announced due to retailers, however you’re looking at around £240 and £184 respectively.
The new PS3 – CECH4000 series is the third iteration of PlayStation 3 hardware in its 7 year life. It’s been reduced in size by over half of the launch model PS3′s and has been reduced even more to be 20 percent smaller than the current slim, and 25 percent lighter too. To save space, instead of having a slot loading drive, blu-rays are now loaded in a “sliding disk cover” to maintain that sleek PS3 curve.
A stand is also available for anyone who wishes to stand their PS3 on end.
The decision to release a 12GB PS3 seems controversial due to the nature of games requiring mandatory installs, however it is another means for people to get Blu-Ray players into their homes and utilise more of the features found on PSN – which is no doubt their aim.
Lets be honest….not too happy that esentially the TGS this year seems very empty and boring. An already well known Slimmer PS3…with a very unflattering price and a few Vita titles? Sorry Sony. I love ya but that just don’t cut it.
The 500GB console certainly will look flattering to customers who compare it to a measly 32GB Wii U for the same price, but in the end theres going to be a little kid tugging at that wallet asking for some Mario. They had a chance to drop the price completely and undersell the Wii U but they just didn’t. Sad sad display. Maybe they don’t feel threatened by it? AH who knows.