PS3 Slim

PS3 Slim

Sony today launches its brand new PS3 Slim console – a lighter, cooler, and indeed slimmer revision of its current games machine. We take a peek at the new package and tell you everything you need to know.

First up, it's no surprise that the machine itself is significantly reduced in size compared to its older brother. According to Sony, it's 32% smaller and weighs 36% less than its immediate predecessor. The fingerprint-attracting plastics of the old machine are forsaken in favour a cheaper-looking matte look, and all the chrome-style detailing of the original model is gone, aside from a small flourish around the Blu-ray drive. Side-by-side with the older PS3, it's clearly much smaller and it's even got the better of the Xbox 360, being about an inch smaller and 20% thinner.

Despite the clearly cheaper plastics and lesser bulk, the good news is that the Slim still feels like a premium quality console. In some cases, the cost-cutting even produces a better machine. For example, the touch-sensitive power and eject buttons are replaced with more conventional push-buttons on the Slim, and they are better to use and obviously give more feedback. Also, Sony hasn't cut costs too much to the detriment of the product. For instance, it is not using an external power supply for its console as Microsoft and Nintendo do – just like its predecessor, the PS3 Slim plugs straight into the wall, avoiding unnecessary clutter.

In other cases however, the package definitely does feel unnecessarily cheap. While Sony has packaged in its newer Dual Shock 3 controller, the video cable supplied is the worst of the worst possible. It'll work on all TVs but for a premium level console at the very least you would expect an HDMI cable for connecting up your HDTV. Also, stacked vertically the PS3 Slim is a little wobble-some – Sony wants you to splash out an extra £20 for a stand, which isn't exactly welcome.

However, the more you look at the PS3 Slim, the better a deal it becomes. Not only is the machine significantly cheaper (RRP at the shops is £250, but you can easily find a new unit for £230 by shopping about online) but it'll save you money on your electricity bill too. Sony says that the Slim is 34% more power efficient than the current "fat" PlayStation 3, but the fact is that there have been several revisions of the PS3 hardware sold so far, and the Slim is actually using around half the power of the original launch model.

Up against the competition, Microsoft still has a price advantage – its comparable Xbox 360 Elite costs £199 (£189 if you shop around). But the PS3 Slim may offer better value overall: its controller batteries are built-in and rechargeable (you use normal AAs on the 360 pad), it offers wireless internet as standard (a costly option on 360) and its online PSN multiplayer online gaming service is free, whereas Xbox's LIVE service requires a £40 yearly subscription.

So, all things being equal, PS3 Slim looks like a great deal all-round: cheaper but still with a premium feel, and competitive price-wise with its rivals. If you've been holding out on buying the Sony console, now's the time to dive in.