There’s life in the current generation PlayStation console yet it seems, so much so that Sony announced a new PS3 Slim at the 2012 Tokyo Games Show. Set to eat up a few more sales building up to the busy festive period, the new PS3 Super Slim consoles are 20 per cent smaller and 25 per cent lighter than the previous PS3 and will be priced under £200.

T3 was fortunate enough to get our hands on the 500GB model of new PS3 Slim and as we prepare to put it through its paces for a full review, here's our first impressions on the latest PS3 instalment.

PS3 Super Slim: Build

Looking liking a chopped down version of the monolithic-looking original PS3 but with a ridged midriff, Sony has introduced a new top loading disc tray that slides from right to left manually or can be released by a button situated on the edge of the console.

Sony says it has completely redesigned the internal PS3’s design architecture, and reduced the internal volume and weight of the new console by more than half when compared to the first PS3.

Almost instantly you can feel the considerable weight difference when you first take it out of the box and should be much easier to cart around in a rucksack.

PS3 Super Slim: Connectivity and Features

There’s the standard two USB ports at the front along with a system storage access indicator and around the back you’ll find ports for the AC adaptor, AV Multi Out. Digital Out (Optical), HDMI and LAN connections.

Mammoth 500GB of storage aside, you can expect much the same in terms of features on board which will of course most notably include the Blu-ray drive, 3D gaming support and access to movies, TV shows, music and much more through the PlayStation Network and Sony Unlimited services.

PS3 Super Slim: Verdict

While we don’t know whether it will play PS3 games or Blu-ray discs any differently yet, the look and feel of the new PS3 Slim is an obvious homage to the original PS3, minus the considerable excess weight.

Immediately we would be concerned about the durability of the top loading tray that feels like it could be yanked straight out off the console, but ultimately it all feels like Sony's nostalgic way of signing off the current generation console in anticipation for the PS4.

PS3 Super Slim release date: 28 Septebmer 2012

PS3 Super Slim price: From £185 (500GB)