Gamers had a good look at Sony's newest PlayStation 3 at the Tokyo Game Show last week, a lighter, thinner console with more hard drive space. The newest additions to the Sony family are due to be released this fall here in the US, and will offer both a 250GB and 500GB version. News surrounding this release has been largely hyped, since Sony has been talking about the upcoming PlayStation release for quite some time now.

The 250GB super slim PS3 model will hit stores on September 25, and will include Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, game-of-the-year edition, as well as downloadable content for Dust 514. The 500GB slimmer PS3 model will follow, released on October 30, and includes Assassin's Creed III.

Features

The redesign of the PS3 leaves it 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the current PS3 model, with the super slim PS3 weighing in at 1.1 pounds less. The size change isn't merely in its height, but its depth as well. It is sleek and low-key, with just a bit of gloss finish by the edges, as well as a ridged surface on the top. A big difference between this and all other PlayStations that have preceded it: discs are accessed and loaded via sliding door panel rather than a slot-loading drive. It also features reduced power consumption, dropping from 200W to 190W. It will also come with a silver stand to allow vertical placement, something never offered before.

Other markets outside of the US will be treated to an additional option: super slim PS3 with 12GB flash drive. It doesn't appear that this SSD-equipped model will be released in the US as the US branch of the company isn't talking about it. Japan will be treated to a white super slim PS3 due to be released in late November.

Benefits of More Storage Space

Games are becoming richer and feature some serious content, something a larger drive can handle a little easier. This makes the games that much more enjoyable to play, offering the best quality image and sound with no lag.

With a lot of games available to download directly onto the console via internet connection, having loads of hard drive space adds up to more games that can be downloaded. Don't forget about the content that can be downloaded to the console, such as movies. PlayStation is promising some big games this holiday season, so having the additional hard drive space allows you to snag as many as you'd like.

Pricing and Availability

The 250GB PS3 will hit shelves on September 25, bundled with Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception and downloadable Dust 514. The games alone are worth a combined $75, so the bundle price tag of $269.99 is pretty reasonable. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception has won over 60 gaming industry and Game of the Year awards, and this included Game of the Year Edition features 12 brand new multiplayer maps, more than 40 multiplayer skins, Shade Survival Mode, and Fort Co-Op Adventure.

The 500GB PS3 comes to the market on October 30, the same day Assassin's Creed III is due to release, and will be offered in a $299 bundle.