Sony has finally confirmed that the previously rumoured ‘slim’ version of the Playstation 3 is real and will be in shops during the first week of September (yes, that’s next month people!). It’s apparently 33% smaller and 36% lighter that the current PS3 (you can see a comparison shot below), has a 120GB hard drive, and will cost 299 Euro’s or £249.99, which means that we’re unfortunately still getting the short straw when it comes to comparing prices here and prices in the US.

The news was revealed during Sony’s press conference by Sony Computer Entertainment America head Kaz Hirai at GamesCom. The press conference also revealed that all current models will finally be getting a much requested price drop from tomorrow. The price will be the same as the PS3 Slim, so you can either buy one now or wait less than a month for a newer and slimmer version for the same price (it’s really a no brainer, just wait). Before you complain that the price of the PS3 Slim should be cheaper than the original PS3 (like the PS2 Slim was for a while), due to cheaper components or whatever, it’s obvious that this move is intended to replace the original once stocks of its predecessor have all left the warehouse (ASDA certainly believes the old one will be phased out anyway).

Personally I’m not sure I dig the new look, but I suppose the loss of shininess will lead the less finger prints all over your console. It doesn’t really matter about the look though, as it finally means that the PS3 can now compete with the other consoles at a more reasonable price point. It’s no longer that expensive when comparing it to the Xbox 360, and with a great stable of games lined up for release (and a number of good ones already out) it’s now easily worth owning one.

Good one Sony, even though it took you long enough.