Sony PS3 goes slimmer and lighter

Sony has revealed the new PlayStation 3 featuring a new design and a downsized form factor, available worldwide this month.

The electronics giant says the new console comes in two models including extended built in Hard Disk Drive (HDD) capacity of 500GB model and a newly added 12GB flash memory mode as the company aims to further accelerate the Playstation platform across the globe.

Completely redesigning the internal design architecture, Sony says the internal volume and weight of the new PS3 is reduced by more than half compared to the very first PS3 model with a 60GB HDD, and by 20-25% respectively compared to the current PS3.

With the extra HDD capacity, which has been extended from 320GB and 160GB, PS3 users can store more entertainment content including games, music, photos, and video on the new PS3.

Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 3,300 titles and downloadable PS3 games to 4,100 titles worldwide, with the support from a broad range of third party developers and publishers.

Sony was quick to comment in addition to the extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from third party developers and publishers in the near future.

The embattled Japanese company says the console, in the 7th year of its lifecycle, will further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform by continually releasing a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles and offering users a choice from a variety of hardware models.

New Zealanders will have the chance to get their hands on the new smaller and lighter console this month with the 500GB model launching on September 27 at a new recommended retail price of $519.95.

The new 12G Flash memory model will be also be available on October 18 at a recommended retail price of $399.95.

Will you be getting the new PS3? Is it time for a PS4? Tell us your thoughts below.