Sony confirmed the existence of a new iteration of the company’s PlayStation 3 during its annual Tokyo Game Show press event recently, unveiling a console that is roughly 50% smaller than the original version of the machine.

In addition, Sony revealed during the media briefing that the much vaunted PlayStation Plus service will become available for PS Vita owners.

PlayStation 3 ‘Super Slim’

The new ‘super slim’ PlayStation 3 is not only 50% smaller, but it sports a 25% size reduction over the current ‘slim’ model. While the price of this so-called ‘super slim’ console will remain the same as the PS3 on the market today, hard-drive sizes will increase, while games will be bundled in as standard and in some regions you’ll get additional digital content.

The ‘super slim’ will launch this month and next around the world – here’s when you can expect it, and the prices associated with each model:

Japan:

• Classic White 250GB ‒ October 4th ‒ ¥24 980
• Charcoal Black 250GB ‒ October 4th ‒ ¥24 980
• Charcoal Black 500GB ‒ October 4th ‒ ¥29 980

US:

• Black 250GB ‒ September 25th ‒ $270 (with Uncharted 3, $30 of DUST 514 content)
• Black 500GB ‒ October 30th ‒ $300 (with Assassin’s Creed 3)

Europe:

• Black 12GB ‒ September 28th ‒ €230 (optional mount for external SATA drive, or can be upgraded with 250GB HDD)
• Black 500GB ‒ September 28th ‒ €300 (with FIFA 13)

PlayStation Plus for PS Vita

Another interesting announcement during Sony’s TGS 2012 press event was the reveal that the digital rewards programme, PlayStation Plus, will soon become available to owners of the PS Vita, too. Previously only accessible by PlayStation 3 owners, the service will be available at no additional cost to current PS Plus members.

As a PS Plus member on PS Vita, you’ll get all of the benefits you’ll know from the PS3 version of the service, including free games, discounts on content and online save game storage. PS Plus for PS Vita will go live in November.

Cosmic Red and Sapphire Blue models of the PS Vita were also mentioned and shown, and will release in Japan on November 15th.

What do you think of the news? Are you happy with your PlayStation 3 as is, or will you take this as the opportunity to finally pick one up for the console’s last hurrah next year ahead of the next generation?

Tags: playstationplus, sony, tgs2012