Rumor: New PS3 model shown in suspicious forum photos

Some photos of what looks like a brand-new PlayStation 3 have been circulating the Internet, but are they the real deal or an elaborate hoax?

UPDATE: Sony has broken their short silence to tell CVG: "We don't know anything about the system in the photos." Uh huh. Sure.

If the Internet is to be believed, Sony may be gearing up to release a brand-new "slim PlayStation 3" in the coming year. A very suspicious entry on the Japanese gaming blog "GameColumn" has posted some blurry pictures from Chinese message boards that look like a skinny, streamlined version of the more bulky PS3 build. Will this be Sony's answer to millions of calls for a price drop?


Rumor: New PS3 model shown in suspicious forum photos

OMG RU SERIOUS?

Rumor: New PS3 model shown in suspicious forum photos

Aside from the thinner-looking hardware, the biggest change is the 'PS3' labeling on the outer shell. It looks pretty authentic.


Speculations and debates about a new PS3 Slim have been around for a while, and even Sony has made a habit out of shooting down rumors when asked about new hardware. So far, no news outlets have been able to confirm if these photos are actually real, and Sony's not talking yet. In fact, the last time anyone asked them about it, Sony UK was swift to tell CVG that the company "currently [didn't] have any plans for a redesigned PS3", which sounds less and less believable as time goes on.

"The shots show the matt black outer shell of a skinnier version of the console, complete with a slots for the Blu-ray disc drive, USB ports, and PS3 branding on the top and bottom (but not in the same Spider-Man-style font). There's even a shot of the box, with all the PSN logos and a label indicating a 120GB internal hard drive." [Source: ComputerAndVideoGames]


Rumor: New PS3 model shown in suspicious forum photos

Just to reiterate, the supposed new 'Slim PS3' model looks nothing like this. Personally, I always hated that font. Brings up bad memories.


Hopefully, a redesign for the PlayStation 3 isn't that far off (it would sure help Sony's low hardware sales), but we'll keep our ears open. Just as a reminder, you can see the full image gallery here on GameColumn's redirected blog. If anyone can speak Japanese, feel free to shout out in the comments with some translations!


Rumor: New PS3 model shown in suspicious forum photos

Hmm. Well, it LOOKS like the real thing. If not, that's one heck of a mockup.

THE VERDICT by McKinley Noble McKinley Noble's Avatar Man, I hope those pictures are the real thing. That new PS3 model looks like the PlayStation 2 more than anything, which was a happier time for me as a Sony customer. If they announce something like this at E3, I'm totally sold on inFamous and Final Fantasy XIII.

Comments [60]

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slm90031

Nice. A new PS3 model when all I wanted was games. Thanks Sony. In other news: TOKYO - Sony Corp. reported its first full-year loss in 14 years, although its hit for the fourth quarter was smaller than expected. Sony reported a net loss of 165.1 billion yen for the fourth quarter and a net loss of 98.9 billion yen for the fiscal year ended in March 2009. The company had posted net income of 29.0 billion yen for the same quarter a year ago and net income of 369.4 billion yen for the fiscal year ended in March 2008. On average, analysts were expecting a net loss of 228.7 billion yen for the quarter and a fiscal year net loss of 173.8 billion yen, according to a survey conducted by Thomson Reuters.

Fat_bot

I gotta disagree on it being good looking, although I think I'd merely change the plastic from matte to glossy and then I'd like it better. It is reminiscent of the PS2 days, but to keep the PS3's image as high end, I'd give it more shine to keep people from thinking it's a "poor-man's" PS3, so-to-speak.

monkbaine

I don't give two shits what the system looks like,gimme a new model with a faster RAM card on he inside,or make it so current owners can swap out their older cards for something,say,1GB. Speed of the system menus have been my only gripe with the system so far,mainly during using the in-game XMB

donkeykong57

Maybe this new slim model will lower production costs and eventually lead to a price drop. One can only hope.

And yes, I agree with McKinley. I hate the current Playstation font; ripped straight from the Spiderman games. The PSone/PS2 font is easily my favorite.

GasTankKiller

This is fake. Look at the PlayStation 3 and PS3 logo. Do you honestly think that Sony is going to re-brand how PlayStation 3 and PS3 look. This never happened when they came out with the PS2 slim.

Think about it people.

Toneman

Either way, I say F the slim model... Yeah, the PS3 is a bit big, but who cares?!! Give me custom soundtracks for all games... or new features... even a price drop.

Toneman

That PS3 logo does look fake... why would Sony change the font? makes no sense.

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