With an inevitable PS4 announcement, why is Sony releasing new PlayStation 3 Super-Slim models in Japan?

Are you ready for a PlayStation 4 announcement?! Well too bad. That isn't happening today. But Sony Computer Entertainment Japan did announce today that the PlayStation 3 Super-Slim will be a available in Azurite Blue and Garnet Red as of February 28, 2013. That's just as exciting as any PS4 rumors, right?

The colors are available for the 250GB HDD Super-Slim models and comes with a DualShock 3 controller that matches whichever color console you buy. There's no word yet if they will be released outside of Japan, but in Japan they are in limited supply and will sell for 24,980 yen ($279).

My understanding was that everyone in Japan already owns a PlayStation 3, and with the next PlayStation console expected to release later this year, who is going to spend that much money on a new Super-slim PS3 simply because it's a different color. Maybe designers that are trying to color-coordinate a room?

You can follow Senior Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. He likes talking sports, video games, movies, and the stupidity of celebrities. Email at LLiebl@GameZone.com

[PlayStation Japan and Kotaku]