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New Sony PlayStation 3 is slimmer, has 12GB flash memory

Sony has put the PlayStation 3 on a diet, revealing a slimmer model with more memory -- and a 12GB flash model.

Richard Trenholm Former Movie and TV Senior Editor
Richard Trenholm was CNET's film and TV editor, covering the big screen, small screen and streaming. A member of the Film Critic's Circle, he's covered technology and culture from London's tech scene to Europe's refugee camps to the Sundance film festival.
Expertise Films, TV, Movies, Television, Technology
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Richard Trenholm
2 min read

There's a new Sony PlayStation 3 in town! Sony has put the popular games console on a diet, revealing a slimmer model with more memory -- and a flash model with a lot less memory.

Unveiled in Tokyo, the new PlayStation 3 is smaller and lighter, with a new ridged top and sliding disc panel on the top instead of a slot-loading mechanism.

Here in the UK, we're getting a version with 12GB of flash memory, ideal for anyone who doesn't need vast hard drives full of movies and games. If you watch Blu-ray or DVD discs, or stream your movies rather than downloading, this version could be for you. And you can plug in a hard drive for more legroom.

If you do need the space for your films, games and DLC, the new model has increased storage across the board -- the PlayStation now comes with a choice of 500GB or 250GB of space, replacing the current 320GB and 160GB versions.

The current PS3 Slim model has been around for a whopping four years, which is a global ice age in technology years. The new PlayStation announced today is 25 per cent lighter than the previous model, and half the size of the original released seven years ago. Sony also says it consumes less power, dropping from 200W to 190W.

The new model hits shops on 28 September, with the 12GB version coming on 12 October. US versions come with bundles including Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception or Assassin's Creed 3, while UK prices and details are yet to be revealed.

For more on the PlayStation 3 and other gaming gadgetry, check out our button-bashing buddies at GameSpot UK. Would you buy a PlayStation 3 with a small memory? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.