14 DAY TRIAL // Sony has announced that it plans to launch a new version of the PlayStation 3 on the Japanese market, the distinctive feature being that it will be all white.
Models of the home console with bigger hard drives are also planned by the hardware maker, likely looking to boost the sales numbers in Japan, where the PS3 is threatened by the Nintendo Wii and by a resurgent Xbox 360 from Microsoft, which saw a huge increase prompted by the launch of Monster Hunter Frontier Online and the introduction of a new, smaller and quieter version of the console.
The fresh color for the PlayStation 3 is called Classic White and the way it makes the console look can be seen in the attached screenshot. It's squarely aimed at those who believe that the slick black finish on most PS3 devices is too boring (it might prove a bit hard to keep squeaky clean). The console will cost 28,980 Yen and gamers will also be able to pick up white DualShock 3 controllers for the price of 5,500 yen and vertical stands for 2,000.
When it comes to bigger hard drives, Sony plans to phase out the 120 GB models with new options including a 320 GB model and one with half the storage capacity. The launch date is set for July 29 and the new PlayStation 3 home console will retail for 29,980 Yen for the smaller disk capacity and 34,980 yen for those who are interested in getting the 320 GB hard drive version.
With new consoles coming, the company has announced that those featuring a 120 GB hard drive will be cheaper, each store being free to set its own price. Those who want a bargain on a fresh PlayStation 3 can be on the lookout for them starting with July 7.