Guess having a black and white PS3 wasn't enough for Japan. Sony have announced that, on March 6, Japan will get a "Satin Silver" PS3. Retailing for ¥39,980 (USD$374), it's the standard 40GB setup, and of course the bundled DualShock 3 SIXAXIS will be in silver as well. Looks pretty classy! I've got the satin silver PS2, and it's stood the test of time quite well. Only thing left to do now is for Western fans of colour variation to wonder out loud why Japan's on its third colour scheme while we're still (for the mean time) on our first. Presser follows.

UPDATE - That controller pictured above isn't actually a DualShock3! For some reason, despite releasing the silver version of their updated controller on the same day, Sony are not including a DualShock 3 with the new console. No, instead it'll come with an already-outdated SIXAXIS. If they want a silver DS3 to match their silver PS3, Japanese consumers are going to have to fork out an additional ¥5500 (USD$50). Blergh.

See? No "DualShock 3" text under the blue "Sixaxis" means no included DualShock 3 :(

Tokyo, February 5, 2008 - Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) responsible for business operations in Japan, today announced that it would release PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) 40GB model in a new "Satin Silver" color in Japan on March 6th, 2008, at a recommended retail price of 39,980 yen (including tax). "Satin Silver" will also become available for DUALSHOCK®3 Wireless Controller at a recommended retail price of 5,500 yen (including tax).

A new fine metallic "Satin Silver" is offered as an additional color to the existing PS3® (CECHH00 Series) line-up of "Clear Black" and "Ceramic White". Choosing from a broader selection of colors to match their lifestyle and preferences, users will be able to enjoy next generation interactive entertainment contents on Blu-ray Disc as well as via the broadband network at home.

Users will also be able to enjoy immersive game play experience on upcoming PS3 titles compatible with separately sold DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller, including "Ryu ga Gotoku KENZAN!" (SEGA CORPORATION) and "echochrome" ※1 (SCE WWS). SCEJ will continue to further expand the PS3 platform with enhanced line-up of
PS3 systems and peripheral products.

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