In 2006 the PS3 was large, and mighty, and able to stand on its own two feet. In 2009, though, it has aged, and it has shrunk, to the point where it needs some help just to stay upright.
These pics weren't sent around to Western press yesterday, but they were made available to Japanese media. No idea why, but maybe it had something to do with that cute little stand that's now needed to position the PS3 in the vertical position?
Don't know why they'd want to keep it hidden, especially since it was mentioned in Sony's announcement press release (and Sony are normally keen to over-do it with their peripheral and accessory shots). But whatever, there it is, and those upgrading from a dusty original PS3 to the Slim should note, you're going to need to use one if you want to avoid those special kind of tears that only come from finding a vertically-aligned console seriously damaged after a fall from your entertainment unit.
We'd love to tell you there's one included for free inside the box, but we can't. This will be sold separately, and cost you $24.