In September, Sony unveiled the PlayStation 3 Slim, a thinner version of its current-gen console that had an improved hard drive capacity as one of its key selling points (not to mention a lower price and sleeker build). It seems Sony isn't done tinkering with capacity, however, with news coming today that the company will soon release new versions of the PS3 Slim in Japan with 160GB and 320GB hard drives built in.

　　Higher capacity PS3 Slims set for Japan. The new models will go on sale on July 29 in Japan, with the 160GB retailing for ¥29,980 ($342) and the 320GB version selling for ¥34,980 ($399). While both versions will come in the charcoal black finish of current Slim models, the 160GB version will also be made available in white, with matching Dual Shock 3s and console stands priced at ¥5,500 and ¥2,000, respectively.

　　According to a release on Sony Japan's Web site, the company will also offer a PlayStation 3 Terrestrial Digital Recorder Pack, which will be made up of a Torne digital video recorder and a 160GB charcoal black system. This will retail for ¥36,980 ($423). The Torne is a TiVo-style PS3 digital television receiver and video recorder that was first unveiled for the Japanese market earlier this year.

　　As for the current 120GB model, Sony looks to be discontinuing the line, with the company's press release stating that to coincide with the launch of the new models, the street price of the 120GB PS3 will be left for Japanese retailers to decide.

　　While the new models are confirmed for Japan, there's no official word on whether they will make it to Western markets. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Australia said that the company would "consider every possibility based on the market demands, but have nothing to announce at this time."