Sony yesterday announced a new slimmer and lighter version of their PlayStation 3 gaming console, which will come fitted with a larger and easily upgradable 120GB HDD. The thinner, shorter and lighter unit – known as the PS3 Slim – also features a slimmed down price tag, losing a hundred dollars to come in at an attractive $299.99.

With a new textured look, the PS3 Slim comes fitted with near-identical hardware as the model it is replacing, save for the new 120GB HDD – which offers twice the storage space over its predecessor. To achieve the new 32-percent smaller and 36-percent lighter footprint, the internals of the Slim have been completely redesigned and thanks to a 34-percent lower power consumption, the new model now also runs cooler and quieter.

The new PS3 doesn’t include a stand like the previous model, but Sony will be selling them for $24 if you just have to go vertical. The hard drive can be replaced/upgraded without voiding the warranty in a new simplified process – simply remove two screws and slide the drive out from the front.

The system includes a free PlayStation Network membership, built-in WiFi, Blu-ray player, a single Dual Shock controller and USB cable for charging it, plus a composite AV cable and AC power adapter are in the box.

The new PS3 Slim is available now on pre-order from Amazon.com for $299.99 and can also be picked up from Amazon.co.uk for £249.99. Shipping will commence on September 1, 2009.

Sources:
Sony PSN (Press Release) and Amazon.com
Via: Crave and Engadget