Playstation 3 owners are no strangers to reiterations of the console, there have been several now. We’re not even going to bother covering all the different versions of the console, by now you should know there are quite a few.

Sony is back at it again, and we’re not quite sure why. There isn’t any particular reason for releasing a new version of the console, unless you count the numerous Xbox 360 versions on the market, but we digress.

The party is back on, yet again, with the latest Playstation 3 Superslim. The name is, in fact, actually still the Playstation 3 Slim, but seeing as Sony already released a Slim model, and this one is smaller, we’re going to stick with the “Superslim.”

Our first impressions are this: “why the hell does this thing exist?” That should give you some idea as to the build quality and features included in this, slightly more expensive, re-release of the console.

Playstation 3 Superslim Hardware & Build Quality

There will be two models of the Superslim available, a 250GB model and a 500GB model. We can proudly say, at least Sony decided to extend the storage capacity of the console, from the usual 120GB in the first PS3 Slim version.

The first PS3 Slim, although smaller than the PS3 Phat, still weighs a total of 6.5 pounds. If you’re the kind of person to lug around your console with you everywhere you go, and some people actually do that, then that’s a lot of extra weight to worry about. The PS3 Superslim weighs about 4.5 pounds, which is more manageable than the first PS3s 11 pounds.

The Slim model also got an exclusive matte finish that wasn’t exceptionally helpful to fingerprints and smudges, but Sony dropped the form with the Superslim. The Superslim features a glossy black finish, just like the first Phat model that loves to show off greasy fingerprint smudges. Yay for dirty consoles! If you have OCD tendencies and don’t like a greasy console, then stay away.

The optical disc drive in the Slim is revealed by sliding a topside panel to the left, and the panel itself also acts as the power switch. The console turns on when the panel slides open.

A side bezel, or rather side panel, can be removed to reveal the hard drive bay. Although we don’t have any images of the removed panel, you can swap the hard drive with one of your own (just like you can in the original PS3). Seeing as the hard drive is just your standard 2.5 inch SATA drive, it shouldn’t be too hard to upgrade to a larger drive size if you so desire.

The same 45nm cell processor and RSX GPU from the PS3 Slim are contained within the Superslim. Which means, when considering internal hardware, the Superslim is essentially identical to the previous iteration.

Rear connections include an Ethernet port, HDMI, Optical out, RCA, and, of course, the standard power adapter connection. Two USB ports are included on the front of the console.

Overall, the main design of the Superslim is worse than previous iterations, at least in our opinion. The console itself is slimmer and smaller and does weigh less, but the plastic body just feels flimsy and weak. The top slide panel doesn’t seem so solid either, and we’d guess over an extended period of time some issues may arise from it.

Did we mention this thing is not particularly attractive either?

The Superslim Compared to The Slim & Phat

The main differences in the Superslim include the core design (obviously), and the hard drive size. Like previous versions, the Superslim is not backwards compatible with PS2 games, but the PSOne support is still there.

The Superslim is fully compatible with Bravia Sync devices, and an optional vertical stand is available for $15.

When compared to the PS3 Slim (120GB), and the Phat (160GB), the Superslim has the largest storage capacity (250GB). It is also quite a bit lighter, as it weighs in at 4.64 pounds and consumes less power at 190W compared to the Slims 250W requirement.

The 250GB model of the PS3 Superslim is available for $270. If you’re keeping track that’s about $20 more than the first PS3 Slim ($250).

Playstation 3 Superslim Bundles

The Playstation 3 Superslim (250GB) model is currently available in a bundle for $269.99 that includes a wireless DualShock 3 controller, and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Game of the Year Edition. The bundle also includes $30 in Dust 514 credit and a one month subscription to Playstation Plus. The new 500GB PS3 will be available in a limited edition bundle on October 30th to coincide with the release of Assassin’s Creed III.

Personally, we believe the new Superslim is silly. It does have a distinctly retro style going for it, and the sliding tray and new cabinet design resembles something out of the early 90’s. If you want your consoles with a little less fat, be sure to check out the PS3 Superslim.

It is worth noting that there is positively nothing wrong with the new version of the PS3. It runs as advertised, and all local hardware remains the same, so while there is no difference in performance, there is no increase in performance over other versions either. Our disapproval of the new console is undeniably influenced by the overall design and less-than-nominal exterior build quality.