Sony has announced a new slim version of PlayStation 4, set for release on 15 September for $299, £259 and €299. The machine is both smaller and more power-efficient, but it adds no support for 4K video. However, all PlayStation 4 machines will get HDR compatibility via a firmware update coming later this month.
30% smaller and 16% lighter, the new slim PS4 will come with a redesigned version of the Dual Shock 4 controller, which moves the coloured light bar from the front edge to the face of the pad. This will make it easier for players to identify the colour of the light strip in games that use this feature.
The PS4 Slim revelation came as little surprise to gamers. In August, several units of the new machine somehow became available through sites such as eBay. One news site, Let’s Play Video Games, has featured a review of the machine since 30 August.
The announcement mirrors Microsoft’s recent successful launch of the re-engineered Xbox One S machine. However, Microsoft’s update also added 4K video and HDR visual support – the former feature is missing from the slimline PS4, and PlayStation gamers will have to wait for the PlayStation 4 Pro console, coming in October.
- Keith Stuart attended the PlayStation Meeting in NY on a press trip with other UK journalists. Transport costs were paid by Sony.
