White PS3 Slim and bigger HDs confirmed for Japan, "no announcements" for Europe

Japan is to get new PS3 Slim models with bigger hard drives and a white casing, Sony said today, but has told VG247 there are "no announcements to make in terms of new SKUs for Europe."

Two new machines with bigger drives will go on sale in Japan on July 29, one with 160Gb and one with 320Gb of storage. The current Slim has a 120Gb HD.

The 160GB model will retail for ¥29,980 ($342) and the 320GB version will sell for ¥34,980 ($399). The 160Gb machine will cost the same as the current 120Gb model (thanks, metamorphic).

Both versions will come in the black finish of current models, but the 160GB version will also be available in white. Matching DualShock 3s and console stands will also be released.

Sony will also offer a PlayStation 3 Terrestrial Digital Recorder Pack, made up of the Tivo-style Torne TV recorder and a 160GB black system for ¥36,980 ($421).

Sony has now adopted an "open pricing" policy the current, 120Gb Slim, allowing retailers to decide costing on the SKU, presumably before supplies dry up.

There's no word on the new models making it out of Japan, and SCEE said it had no announcements to make on the matter today.