Sony Announces Lighter, Cheaper PS3 Models With Bigger HDDs

It seems the rumors were true, and we didn't even have to wait until the Tokyo Game Show.

Today, Sony Computer Entertainment has announced new PlayStation 3 models for North America, Europe and Japan. There will be three new machines in total: one with a 500GB hard drive, one with a 250GB HDD, and a freshly added model with 12GB of flash memory, which will - at first - be only available in Europe.

The first option to hit store shelves in the US will be the 250GB machine, which will hold a price tag of $269.99 and will be available as a bundle-only option right out of the gate on September 25. The 500GB model will follow on October 30; that one won't have a bundle requirement and be priced at $299.99. Both of these models will be available in Japan on October 4 and for the record, that 12GB flash memory PS3 will launch in Europe on October 12 (prices will vary based on country).

Plus, you'll be looking at lighter and slimmer machines. Thanks to "a complete redesign of the internal architecture," the volume and weight of the new PS3 has been dropped by more than half when compared to the first PS3 model, and by 20% and 25% respectively compared to the current PS3 models. Interestingly enough, the new consoles will also adopt a sliding disk cover. That's kinda cool, depending on your viewpoint.

Since launching in November 2006, the PS3 has amassed over 3,300 titles and over 4,100 downloadable games and pieces of add-on content. If you haven't jumped on board yet, fall is obviously the time.

Tags: ps3, playstation 3, new ps3 model, sony, new ps3

9/19/2012 1:05:06 AM Ben Dutka

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Comments (68 posts)

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Killa Tequilla
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 1:21:01 AM
Reply

Its mine. I actually liked the design. Mine i tell ya, Mine!!

0 up, 0 down

playaplus
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 1:23:28 AM
Reply

might just get one for cousin now. college kid needs a gaming system.

0 up, 0 down

Sol
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 1:35:20 PM

Words to live by...

0 up, 0 down

AshT
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 2:02:39 AM
Reply

looks pretty slick and tempting, although i'm happy with my fat ps3

4 up, 0 down

daus26
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 2:08:32 AM
Reply

That 12GB SSD is expensive.

0 up, 1 down

AcHiLLiA
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 12:07:20 PM

I don't think it has a SSD, then that will usually jack up the price.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 9/19/2012 12:10:04 PM

2 up, 0 down

556pineapple
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 2:18:29 AM
Reply

Nothing will replace my 60GB fatty. But I must admit, this thing looks pretty snazzy. If for some reason I decide to get a 2nd one, this will be it.

7 up, 0 down

matt99
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 2:25:55 AM
Reply

still doesn't compete with a fatty with backwards compatibility...

7 up, 2 down

jlch777
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 12:36:45 PM

That ridged top looks really bad!!! Nothing comes close to my 60 gb lauch console!!!

2 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 12:51:16 PM

If only they didn't discontinue the 60GB model.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 9/19/2012 12:54:03 PM

4 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 2:31:59 AM
Reply

Doesn't look as bad as the leaked pictures, but I would still prefer to have my fat and 1st slim PS3s to this. I wonder if the 12GB flash model is only in Europe at first as a 'test marketing' thing.

0 up, 1 down

ethird1
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 2:53:56 AM
Reply

Must have the 500gb baby. Just way too many games for my itty bitty 80 gig.

2 up, 1 down

faraga
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 4:58:05 AM

Then put a bigger HDD in it.

8 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 2:58:01 AM
Reply

Well, I'm glad this one doesn't look like the secondary Parmesan cheese grater that was in those earlier "rumor" pictures.

But I'll bet those grooves are going to be a real biatch of a dust catcher.

4 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 1:26:04 PM

Aye, I remember thinking the same thing when I saw those early leak pics. A slide top lid looks like it's just asking for dust issues. And you would surely know, too, BikerSaint. You have essentially every console known to man ;)

1 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 2:32:07 PM

Temjin001,

Ha, I wish I had every one, but I'm still missing 16 different consoles & hand-helds.

Yeah, I'm not really that fond of slider or flip top consoles anymore, but only because I have a bunch of especially made metal 3-tiered gaming console racks that stack the systems one above another, & even though there's a good gap between each console, I still can't use any flip-top consoles in them cause the tops can't open up all the way.

So my racks are all relegated to only front-loading systems.

Last edited by BikerSaint on 9/19/2012 2:35:03 PM

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 3:49:23 AM
Reply

But why is that 12gb model only to be launched in Europe? Could it be... That this happen to be the region Sony will launch their game-streaming service first?

(@Highlander: Remember we discussed this a while back, where I suggested they might start by launching it in Europe first? ;) )

Last edited by Beamboom on 9/19/2012 3:58:47 AM

2 up, 0 down

Kevin555
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 4:00:14 AM

Just announce that PS4 for this man already ;)

2 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 4:30:45 AM

This man is ready as can be!

Not because of any streaming services though. I want my games stored locally. I'm old-fashioned that way. ;)

Last edited by Beamboom on 9/19/2012 4:31:49 AM

1 up, 0 down

Kevin555
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 4:38:50 AM

I'm keen to see what the new tech will bring to my fave franchises, most notably Tekken & as well as the survival horror genre as a whole.

The visuals need to be that good that when i walk outside I'm left disappointed ;)

Nose-laugh jokes aside, I'm more curious about the price at this point. I want an early figure i can work with.

As for the new slim here, it looks really nice in design but there is simply no need for me to grab one unless my current PS3 shites itself.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 6:50:24 AM

There's plenty of things that has made me so ready for a new console, but much of it is more related to "back stage issues" than pure visuals.
Persistance to the open world games for example. Something we've not seen at all this gen (with the exceptions from Bethesda).

0 up, 0 down

Clamedeus
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 4:11:48 AM
Reply

I like the design of the new model, anyone else like it besides me? Looks sleek and sexy.

2 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 4:32:29 AM

I've always liked Sonys designs. They are really good at making stuff look good.

Last edited by Beamboom on 9/19/2012 4:32:54 AM

2 up, 0 down

Clamedeus
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 4:45:15 AM

Agreed!

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 5:26:30 AM
Reply

What's the price on that 12TB flash model? Bet's on $199.99 at launch?

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 6:27:14 AM

I checked the European PS blog, they got more info:

"the 12GB priced around €229.99 standalone, and owners of the 12GB model will be able to connect a 2.5 inch SATA internal hard drive with use of an official Mounting Bracket, or opt for purchase of an official PlayStation 250GB internal HDD."

Last edited by Beamboom on 9/19/2012 7:20:36 AM

1 up, 0 down

___________
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 7:15:37 AM

LOL, 12TB!
typical $ony though, 300 freaking bucks for a 12GB SSD!
i paid 200 for my 320GB a few months ago!
should of put at least a 250GB in there!
either that, or if their insistent on 12GB drop the price to 200.

2 up, 3 down

Highlander
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 10:44:53 AM

Mr Underline are you basing your anger on an actual price in AUS Dollars or just guessing based on your expectation?

3 up, 1 down

AcHiLLiA
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 12:30:29 PM

I think he converted it, and if in US dollars the 12GB would be like $299.. but at that price that just sounds crazy.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 9/19/2012 12:32:40 PM

3 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 1:19:50 PM

Anything over $200 for the 12GB Flash model is silly. The $200 price point is a psychological break point for people buying one.

1 up, 2 down

___________
Thursday, September 20, 2012 @ 7:54:02 AM

off our websites, the 12GB is set for 300 where the 500GB is set for 400.
flash memory is so cheap these days, 300 bucks would be a decent price for 120GB of flash memory no less!
hell, i picked up a kingston hyper X 120GB SSD from MSY this morning for my new work laptop only cost me 100 bucks!
and thats kingston, the company that is notorious for being a rip off, and its the fastest most expensive sub brand hyper X.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, September 20, 2012 @ 10:42:59 AM

The problem with your logic on the SSDs is that you're comparing a one off price on a consumer grade SSD that's probably being EOL discounted. It's nto a realistic comparison, nor does it really compare against the rest of the PS3. If there was a 12GB PS3 at $300 and a 120GB SSD PS3 at $500, I'd listen a lot closer to your complaint.

1 up, 0 down

___________
Friday, September 21, 2012 @ 10:29:58 AM

does not matter dude, point being the one i bought is the highest grade fastest SSD out there!
the 12GB $ony is putting in, who makes that?
crappy toshiba?
point being you would expect a american V8 sports car to cost a hell of allot less than a european one.
the kingston drives are night and day better than every other SSD, yet there also somehow CHEAPER!
if your comparing crap to crap than ok i could understand, but crap to the best out there.....

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, September 21, 2012 @ 4:02:48 PM

I guess it depends on how you qualify 'best'. Best consumer grade device? Best budget device? Best server grade device?

0 up, 0 down

___________
Saturday, September 22, 2012 @ 11:27:29 AM

by reliability and speed.
kingston always have, and always will be the rolls royce of memory.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 7:12:09 AM
Reply

im shocked, shes one sexy beast!
only thing i would change is the ripple piece is set in 2 separate sections.
have the part on the left of the machine as it is, but the part on the right above the disk tray have that in the same material that ripple plastic but have it as a clear plastic so you can see the innards and maybe a custom drive so you can see the disk spinning!
that would be so cool!

color selections too, i still cant understand why $ony refuses to release colors!
vita got a blue and red one announced today, but as usual JP only!
sigh.
$ony wants to boost sales, WELL HELLO!!!!!!!!!
easiest, cheapest, most effective way to do so you morons!
ill defiantly get this though, mines on its last legs ive had it since the slims launch over 2 years ago i think it was so its time to upgrade.
really good deal too, if you trade your ps3 at EB you get the 500GB model with borderlands 2 and fifa 13 for 190 bucks!
the games alone would cost you 200!
so your basically paying for the games, and getting a free ps3 to go with it.
not bad, not bad at all!
bout freaking time we actually got a good deal!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 up, 2 down

gumbi
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 9:13:43 AM
Reply

I'll be getting one. This is what I've been waiting for. I was really hoping to get the 12GB model though, damn shame we're not getting it in North America.

I was hoping for a more dramatic price cut too, but I guess these are bundle prices. After the bundles are over the prices should go down on the standalone units.

I'll probably get the Assassins Creed bundle in October since I'm planning on buying AC3 anyway.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 10:45:32 AM

Regarding the 12GB model, the key word is *yet*...we'll get it in due course.

2 up, 0 down

gumbi
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 11:03:29 AM

Sure, but why not just give us a date? I don't want to wait an undisclosed period of time for it.

Ideally I would buy the cheaper 12GB model and put my own drive in it, But I've already been waiting many months for this. My laser is shot, many of my disc games don't work and none of my bluray movies work. I need a new PS3, and I'm disappointed that TGS didn't usher in a $199 PS3 option... Sony needs to break down the $200 wall.

No matter, I'll quit whining and get the 500GB model when it comes out with AC3. I've got about $200 worth of Sony Points saved up to throw at it so it wont break the bank.

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 1:20:56 PM

They can't just give a date for NA. SCEA has to apply it's own reality filter first...SCEA is the dysfunctional sibling among the children of SCE.

2 up, 0 down

chuygr35
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 9:28:38 AM
Reply

Hm! I thought the 12gb version was going to compete with 360 4gb version at $199.99. Won't be surprise if MS lowers 4gb version to $149.99 before year is out. I know there is more value in the ps3, so 20 some dollars more won't kill the deal. Just hope the general consumer can see that.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 10:52:30 AM
Reply

So like, you slide the top over and put the disc in? That is kinda neat.

4 up, 0 down

slugga_status
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 11:12:46 AM
Reply

It's lightweight which is good..I wonder how what the power usage is like with them though..If the power usage is less then the current slim then I might just trade in my slim and grab this new model.

0 up, 0 down

jimmyhandsome
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 11:27:17 AM
Reply

I think Sony dropped the ball with this if they're not going to have a $200 model available this holiday (in the U.S.) to compete with the $200 Xbox360. No one is going to care too much about a $30 price drop or an increase in HDD size. It seems almost completely pointless.

Last edited by jimmyhandsome on 9/19/2012 11:27:55 AM

4 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 11:49:36 AM

I assume the 12gb flash version will hit US shores in time for Xmas.

4 up, 0 down

jimmyhandsome
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 12:27:59 PM

Hopefully.I really do think that would be a good price point being in direct competition with MS.

At least the 500 GB model will be a bundle that includes AC3.

2 up, 0 down

coverton341
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 11:37:03 AM
Reply

My refurbished 60gb launch machine is still going strong and has a larger HDD than both these models so I don't see myself changing any time soon. The family room might need a system at some point though.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, September 20, 2012 @ 10:43:56 AM

Sadly our Sony refurb'd 60GB system decided to take the opportunity last night to throw in the towel...It's almost like it knew...

1 up, 0 down

duomaxwell007
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 12:05:56 PM
Reply

269-299 = cheaper? correct me if im wrong but arent PS3s currently 249 now?

2 up, 0 down

jimmyhandsome
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 12:28:40 PM

That was my first thought too. Don't understand why they would create new PS3 models without a price cut.

0 up, 0 down

duomaxwell007
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 11:42:07 PM

the only logical explanation is the hard drive sin the new ps3s are bigger than what comes packed in the older ones.. but even then I can buy a 500gb HDD for 65 bucks which would make it a few dollars more expensive then if I just bought the 500gb super slim

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, September 20, 2012 @ 6:48:36 PM

The 'normal' list price of a PS3 is currently $299.99. Therefore the 500GB system is maintaining that price, and the $269.99 bundle drops it a little.

0 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 12:34:36 PM
Reply

Well Sony discontinued their 250GB slim before, now their bringing it back in a slimmer 2x model.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 9/19/2012 12:42:33 PM

0 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 12:46:56 PM

Will u be able to stand it up vertical, might have to buy a vertical stand with it or be creative and make your own. Right now I have my phat model standing vertical up against my desk shelf.

0 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 1:07:29 PM

http://us.playstation.com/ps3/systems/uncharted3-gameofyear-bundle.html

Nice bundle package.

0 up, 0 down

slugga_status
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 1:16:00 PM

I used to stand my PS3 up behind my tv..Yet after about 8 months it YLOD on me and I had virtually no thermal paste on the chips...ever since then I've been extremely paranoid about standing them up

2 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Thursday, September 20, 2012 @ 12:10:34 AM

likely back their the system will collect dust, maybe u didn't have good luck or something. My phat 80GB has been standing for years now no problems.

0 up, 0 down

anjpikapp3
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 1:00:47 PM
Reply

Isn't as sexy as the fats but gotta retire mines before they YLOD me...

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 2:46:02 PM
Reply

My old refurbed 60GB(now 750GB) & my 320 Slim(now 1T) suit me fine for now, but if I was back to work, I'd definitely want one of these Super Slims, as long as I can upgrade the cheaper 12 flash drive one to a 1.5 Terabyte HD.

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 3:30:53 PM
Reply

I honestly like the idea of bigger hdd standard, but I hate the ridged look and the sliding top personally. Reminds me of tech from the 80's. I'm not into retro, I like my sleek and stylish stuff.

1 up, 0 down

Bio
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 4:57:49 PM
Reply

Funny, I was thinking of picking up a new PS3 and Sony announces these a few days later. I like the timing on that :)

2 up, 0 down

Clamedeus
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 7:33:26 PM

I wish I had that timing with a lot of things. :/

1 up, 0 down

DjStiv3
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 8:07:46 PM
Reply

people are not following very well are they? first off there is no mention of this for the US its for other regions and two this isnt very bad and if we did get this SSPS3 then we have an extra color option by default not an exclusive limited edition or anything...not to mention one or both should come bundled with a game assassins creed 3 and uncarted 3 with all dlc game of year edtion... and a much larger harddrive no need to buy another and upgrade a new 250gb i believe is 40bucks atbest buy right? i imagine a 500gb is at leas 60 bucks.... there is value here although the whole top loading disc drive is pretty lame and only shows its a budgt cheap ps3 model and better to get the regular slim..

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, September 20, 2012 @ 10:47:38 AM

Except that this new iteration of the PS3 can only shrink by as much as it has if the CPU & GPU have had a geometry shrink once again. That's the only way to recover so much volume and weight by reducing the PSU and HSF bulk. It's therefore likely to be more power efficient, require less cooling, and be more reliable - less likely to die.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, September 20, 2012 @ 10:56:38 AM

Ah, well after some further research the power consumption of the new system is only 10 watts lower than the previous slim which does suggest that the internals are not that different to the existing slim models. In which case, the major cost savings are from process maturity and design changes such as the top loading BluRay.

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 @ 9:59:24 PM
Reply

BTW, the disc drive cover on these new models do not slide either to the left, nor the right.

The right side cover actually flips up to reveal the disc holder.

0 up, 0 down

Crabba
Thursday, September 20, 2012 @ 7:53:07 PM
Reply

What is the point of this new model? So it's a little bit smaller and a little bit lighter, so what? At least with the first slim they made it more energy efficient and more importantly cheaper.

I wouldn't mind this new model so much if it wasn't for the completely insane decision to swap the great slot-loading drive for a top-loading tray that looks like an 80's tape recorder, seriously?! What's wrong with Sony's model design team nowadays?? Watching the unboxing on IGN it just looks so cheap and flimsy it's just disgusting, and they even admit that it might even be louder than the previous model... then WTH do it??!

I was really looking forward to the anticipated "new slim", hoping for an actual improved slim, preferably at a slightly better price point to replace my good old 20GB launch PS3, which ironically is the best looking PS3 with the most features, and it's what, 6+ years old??

How's that for technological progression for ya? The only way to get a fully featured PS3 with PS2 backwards compatibility, 4 usb ports, slot-loading drive and a nice-looking design is buy an old used system from ebay and hope it doesn't YLOD on you in 2 weeks :(

1 up, 0 down

bamf
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 7:42:33 PM
Reply

On my second fat PS3 still. My first PS3 I got from launch and around a year later I got the yellow light. Sony offered to fix it which would take 3 weeks or they would replace with a refurbished one. Sony did mention that the refurbished model had no PS2 backward compatability. I had no need for PS2 backward compatibilty as I had my slim PS2. The only one regret for not waiting the three weeks is yes dumbass me left a disc in the console never to be returned, I still have the box for that game. And I missed the chrome trim.
I have my PS3 in my games room on my big tv but sometimes i bring it into the bedroom for some light gaming. I'm actually playing sly right now. So I'm looking at the new PS3 with the 12gb flash memory for my bedroom as it seems perfect for PSN games. My fat PS3 can stay in my games room.

0 up, 0 down

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