Even slimmer PlayStation 3 model launching this year

Sony today looked to inject some extra life into its PlayStation 3 console, revealing that a new even slimmer model will launch later this month. The new model is 25 percent smaller than the PS3 Slim, and 50 percent smaller than the original PS3. It will come in two different sizes -- 250GB and 500GB -- with the former costing $269 on September 25, and the latter $299 on October 30. The 250GB version will also come as part of a bundle for $269.99, which will include the Game of the Year edition of Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, and a $30 Dust 514 voucher to spend in-game. Various publishers took to the stage at Sony's Tokyo Game Show conference to detail new upcoming games for both the PS Vita and the PlayStation 3. Marvelous AQL had three new Vita games on hand -- Valhalla Knights 3 is due for release in 2013, while Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus will launch on February 28, 2013. Meanwhile Muramasa: The Demon Blade, originally released for Nintendo Wii three years ago, will launch for Vita on March 28. Namco Bandai had a new Gundam title to show, launching for PS3 and Vita next year, while God Eater 2 will see a Vita and PSP release in February 2013 -- the two versions will feature cross-play. Koei Tecmo showed off a new dark fantasy action title called Toukiden, which will launch on PSP and Vita in 2013. Sony also noted that highly-anticipated Vita game Soul Sacrifice will miss its 2012 release, and instead launch early 2013. Sony also revealed that the long-awaited PlayStation Mobile service will launch via the PlayStation Store on October 3, with support from Sharp and Fujitsu who have both joined the PlayStation Certified license program. Sony's PlayStation Plus subscription service extends to PS Vita from November, with many of the same features as the PS3 version, including a collection of free games to download each month, and lots of discounts on games from the PS Store. For no extra cost on top of your existing PS Plus subscription, your Vita will have access to automatic game updates and trophy sync, as well as an extra 1GB of online storage for save games. New Cosmic Red and Sapphire Blue Vita models are also on the way on November 15. The PSP was also mentioned -- starting from tomorrow, the age-old handheld will receive a price cut, down to ¥13800 in Japan (no U.S. price has yet been announced).