SI: Sony Refreshes PS3 In Japan With New White Color And 320GB HDD Option

[Christopher]

Sony Computer Entertainment has released information on several new versions of the Playstation 3 (PS3) slim console exclusively in Japan due at the end of July. The new bundles are a generous boost in storage capacity and one model will even be available in white with matching accessories. No other hardware aspects of the console have been upgraded in this mid-life product refresh, and no official details for these models have been announced outside of Japan. We noticed that the new boxes for these consoles have a 3D label informing the consumer it’s 3D-capable, which is great. Sony also notified consumers that retailers in Japan were free to set whatever price they choose for the existing 120GB PS3 slim model, which indicates that 160GB is the new default and some interesting discounts should be available soon for the first slim version of the console.

However, it seems odd that the make.believe logo is not on the upper left of the front of the new boxes. All models will also include one DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller, AC power cord, AV cable and USB cable. No HDMI love, Sony? Boo. Little things like that make a difference.

Let’s take a look at what’s new:

Meet new PS3 slim in classic white with 160GB hard drive (CECH-2500A, Y29,980). We must admit the PS3 slim, clad in white, is much more aesthetically pleasing than the existing black version. Unfortunately the white version will not have a 320GB option. Here is a shot of the top of the console:

There are also several accessories available for the new color, including a classic white DUALSHOCK 3 controller (CECH-ZC2JLW, Y5,500):

..and also a classic white Vertical Stand (CECH-ZS1JLW):

Here is a new default PS3 slim with a 160GB hard drive (charcoal black, CECH-2500A, Y29,980):

Then the behemoth of them all – the largest capacity console ever released by a major manufacturer – a PS3 slim with 320GB of storage built-in (charcoal black, CECH-2500B, Y34,980). This is 70GB more than the closest competitor, which is the redesigned XBOX360 with 250GB of storage.

There is also the Playstation 3 Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting Recorder Pack (CECH-10011, Y36,980), which includes a PS3 slim with 160GB hard drive and torne adapter to recorder over the air broadcasts in Japan.

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