Sony has taken the wraps off its slimmer version of its gaming console, the PlayStation 3 at the Tokyo Game Show Wednesday, which is 20% smaller and 25% lighter than the current slim model, reducing it in size but increasing its price tag in the United States.
It will available in two versions: black and white, with either 250GB or 500GB of storage memory. All the pricing details have not yet been announced, but a limited edition bundle, featuring the 250GB black PS3. But The Verge summarizes the somewhat confusing international launch dates and prices:
In North America the 250GB console will be available September 25th and be priced at $269. The 500GB version will be available on October 30th for $299. In PAL territories there will be a PlayStation 3 with 12GB of flash memory available on October 12th for 229 Euros. The 500GB console will be available for the same price on September 28th. In Japan the 250GB will sell for 24,900 Yen and the 500GB will sell for 29,800 Yen, both available October 4th.
Sony also said that its “PS Plus” premium online service will be coming to PlayStation Vita in November. Sony does seem to realize that they’ve essentially saturated the market with PlayStation 3 consoles. They’re targeting the few individuals that don’t already have a PS3 as well as the select few that desperately want an extra PlayStation 3, yet were held back by its ungainly weight.
Was the weight or size the sticking point for those who haven’t picked up a PlayStation 3 yet. We’re not convinced, especially as many gamers are gearing up for the next generation of consoles.
