Playstation 4 Slim Release Date Slated for Sept. 15; PS4 Specs and Updates

Sep 09, 2016 08:54 AM EDT

Sony announced the slimmer version of PlayStation 4 at this month's PlayStation Meeting in New York. Dubbed as PS4 Slim, this thinner gaming console is not a major upgrade but offers interesting tweaks and additions that gamers will really love. Now, here's that latest round-up of update about PS4 Slim release date, specs and price.

The lighter and thinner model is expected to replace the original PlayStation 4, which was released in November 2013. Sony plans to release the PS4 Slim for $299 on Sept. 15. For those who want to pre-order the console now, GameStop and Amazon are accepting reservations.

For PS4 Slim bundles, there's The Uncharted 4: A Thief's End bundle that costs $300. Also, there's NHL 17 bundle that will be available in the US and Canada for $380.

The base model of PS4 Slim has 500GB hard drive which is easier to remove and replace. There's a removable piece of plastic on the back that reveals a standard SATA hard drive, and users just have to remove a single screw to remove the drive.

Aside from the new console, there's an updated DualShock 4 wireless controller. The new controller has a thin light bar at the top of the touchpad and a revamped D-pad. In addition, its analogue sticks have been redesigned with a slightly more rubbery texture, which is easier to grip.

PS4 Slim has a sleek design and more rounded edges. Also, there's are new oblong power and circular eject buttons, which are physical buttons, mimicking the changes made in the recently released Xbox One S.

Although PS4 slim closely resembles the current model, it contains all of the same powerful internal components that have made PS4 one of the best consoles of today.

I/O on the new PS4 consists of HDMI 1.4, gigabit Ethernet, a standard figure-eight lead for power and Aux for the PlayStation camera - a feature needed for the PlayStation VR. The refreshed console also supports 5GHz WiFi for downloading games.

In a press release, Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Andrew House said the PS4 Slim has high-performance technology with more energy efficient hardware. Compare to the current model, PS4 is 30 percent thinner, 16 percent lighter and 28 percent more energy efficient.

Overall, the new PS4 is simply cheaper and aesthetically beautiful that will easily slide into AV cabinets.