Sony is set to update its PlayStation 3 (PS3) console which is expected to be launched in Japan later this month. The new Sony PlayStation 3 is said to be lighter, slimmer and more energy-efficient than its predecessor.

Assigned a model number of CECH-3000B, the upgraded 320GB PS3 console comes with a range of improvements compared to the preceding CECH-2500B. The previous version was 6.6 pounds in terms of weight but the new model comes in at nearly one pound lighter at 5.7 pounds. And consume 30W less power.

The new AACS copyright protection will also be implemented on the updated PS3 model – this is an industry standard that has been used for all Blu-Ray players that have been sold on the market from this year. Whilst it will not affect HDMI connections, this does mean that the component interface will only output 480i instead of 1080i to HDTV screens during the playback of Blu-ray movies.