Slimmer is Sexier: New PS3 Super Slim Boosts Sales in UK

The Tokyo Game Show just wrapped up last week. Just before the show kicked off, Sony announced a brand new version of the PS3. This new PlayStation doesn't look a whole lot different to the old model as far as design is concerned, though it is 20 percent lighter and 25 percent smaller. However, despite looking relatively similar to the last gen PlayStation 3, this new super slim PS3 has apparently boosted hardware sales.

MCV cites UKIE and GfK Chart-Track data as saying UK PS3 sales were up 138 per cent last week. Not only that, but the new 500GB machine accounted for 37 per cent of all PS3s sold for the week ending September 28, a figure it clocked up in just two days of availability.

The 500GB model is available as part of a bundle that includes FIFA 13 and is priced at €299.99. A "wallet-friendly 12GB version" will launch in just under two weeks and will be priced at around €229.99. Owners of this 12GB model will be able to connect a 2.5 inch SATA internal hard drive with use of an official Mounting Bracket, or opt for purchase of an official PlayStation 250GB internal HDD.

The new models of PS3 come at a time when the gaming industry is eagerly seeking out any hints about the next generation console from Sony, the PlayStation 4. The fact that Sony was willing to relaunch the PS3 in a smaller housing suggests it's not quite done with the current generation and is planning to eke out another season with the PS3.

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Axelion 5 years ago

I have the new super slim ps3 and the material does feel very cheap compares to previous slim.
It still performs as well as other ps3 and a lot lighter than you think. Many people don't like the top loading tray but hey, no more stuck game disc if your ps3 gets ylod
belardo 5 years ago

So if you have a choice... which would you prefer?

Its still odd... its obviously a cheaper console... and yet the price is no different.
Anonymous 5 years ago

will be priced at around €229.99. Owners of this 12GB model will be able to connect a 2.5 inch SATA internal hard drive with use of an official Mounting Bracket, or opt for purchase of an official PlayStation 250GB internal HDD.
http://simplex-bpo.com/
Anonymous 5 years ago

I definitely would purchase one in about the coming Christmas. but be4 that I want to make sure to read all the feedback from the user about it wont have heat up problem like the ps2 slim I had.
classzero 5 years ago

Hey UK, are you really buying the PS3 still?
tipoo 5 years ago

Cheaper materials, no new features, same price? What the poop, Sony.
acadia11 5 years ago

And yet and still it's still FUGLY!
neon neophyte 5 years ago

cheap materials, top loading tray, glossy and some pretty ugly vents for dust to get trapped in. the previous slim model was much nicer looking.
billgatez 5 years ago

No Wireless-N??
Also the look of this console is far from sexy. Reminds me of an old cd player from the early 90"s
And why are you refreshing the ps3 any how. When the new consoles are coming out soon?
bustapr 5 years ago

I quite like the look of the new ps3. but I was expecting some smaller price this year. One thing that irritates me is that theyre selling the 12gb version. whats the use in having a "wallet friendly" ps3 if you can only install and play like 3-4 games on it before having to erase something to make room for a new game. Sure you can easily upgrade the HDD, but it kind of feels like a cheap marketing trick by sony, because people who have the 12gb version WILL want to upgrade the hdd out of frustration and therefore buy a proprietary sony mount or hdd to make more space. and forget about installing big digital games on it like uncharted or bf3. that "cheap" one shouldnt exist.
koolaidman93 5 years ago

To those of you trashing the refreshed PS3 for lacking new features: other than a quiet and marginal portion of the market that wants PS2 backward compatibility, why should they add anything new? The point of a gaming console is to have the same hardware so developers can create an optimal experience. The quality of the graphics now are (arguably) better than when the PS3 launched. Why? Because the developers have had time to play around with it and find the best way to utilize the PS3's resources. They did the same thing with the PS2, yet they're still releasing games for the PS2 (only 1 game this year, though). This should help extend the life of the console. I'm sure they've also updated some of the internal components to make it more reliable and power-efficient.
Anonymous 5 years ago

802.11n?
bak0n 5 years ago

Only way I'll buy a new one is if all my 8 computers die and I'm unable to build another computer ever again.
RedJaron 5 years ago

Stop complaining about the price. Current 160GB Slim ( console only, no games, ) is $250 USD. New 250GB Super Slim with Uncharted 3 GotY + ~$30 of digital PSN content is $270. So a game, Dust 514 content, and a much larger HDD aren't worth $20? And the new $300 console + game bundle has a 500GB HDD instead of a 320GB one. Again, why are people complaining?

Sure, wireless N would have been nice, but you're not even saturating your G band right now anyway, so that's hardly a deal killer.
Anonymous 5 years ago

This is Sony's formula. Make it big then shrink it down to boost sales. People will think they are getting something new when they ain't.
ryanwyvill1 5 years ago

It looks like my mum's purse -_-
David Zember 5 years ago

It's sexy until you look at its specs.

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