Sony's Super Slim PlayStation 3: What you need to know

(Credit: SCEA)

Sony has confirmed rumors that an even slimmer and lighter PlayStation 3 was in the works with the announcement of what we're calling the Super Slim PlayStation 3.

Debuting at the Tokyo Game Show, the latest PS3 incarnation resembles the original console (circa 2006) with its rounded plastic encasing and wide-body appearance. However, this new console is 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the existing Slim model; the Super Slim PS3 sits at 11.4 inches wide by 2.36 inches tall by 9.05 inches deep.

This is also the first PlayStation 3 to abandon a disc-loading slot. Instead, the newest PS3 will operate using a disc tray. The console will also only include two front-facing USB ports. While it's always fun to wish for one, this console doesn't include an IR infrared port for remote control communication either.

To start, the Super Slim PS3 will be available only in two separate bundles. The first, going on sale September 25 for $270, will include a 250GB hard drive and pack in a copy of Uncharted 3 along with DLC for the game Dust 514. October 30 will see the release of the $300 Super Slim, which packs in a gigantic 500GB hard drive and a copy of Assassin's Creed III.

(Credit: SCEA)

The current Slim 160GB PS3 still goes for $250 and remains the cheapest version on the market, though we'll have to wait and see if it gets a price drop as well. Neither of the new consoles will support backward compatibility, either, nor has any PS3 done so since the 80GB version released a few years back.

I'm a bit surprised that this new Super Slim PS3 didn't fall below the $250 mark, especially since an entry-level Xbox 360 can be had for $200. That said, the Super Slim PS3 is already cheaper than the Wii U, which has been priced at $300 and $350 for the Basic and Deluxe models, respectively.

Source: http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/sony-playstation-3-super/4505-10109_7-35454667.html?ttag=fbwp