Sony reveals slimmer, lighter PS Vita model

During Sony's pre-TGS press conference, the company revealed a new PlayStation Vita Wi-Fi model featuring "a more streamlined form factor" that is both slimmer and lighter.

According to Sony, the new model is designed to be "more casual and friendly for a wider range of users." it has a completely redesigned internal architecture that allows for the actual system to be 20 percent slimmer and 15 percent lighter than the original version. Sony has also adopted a high-definition LCD for its 5-inch screen.

"Thanks to the rapid progress of LCD technology in recent years, the new display provides users with the highest – level image quality, perfect for deep and immersive gaming experience that is at the core of PS Vita," Sony said of the new screen. The PS button, Start button, and Select button have also been modified to a round and convex shape.

Other improvements include a longer battery life, now allowing approximately 4 to 6 hours of gameplay (current model is approximately 3 to 5) and approximately 7 hours of video play (current is approximately 5 hours). The new model also incorporates a 1GB internal memory card.

The new PlayStation Vita model has only been announced for release in Japan on October 10, but it can be assumed that it will also be available here in America and other markets at a later date. It is priced for 18,980 Yen (about $190), and will come in a wide array of color variations including black, white, lime green/white, light blue/white, pink/black, and khaki/black.