According to IGN, the listings on the online retail stores of GameStop and Newegg indicate that a new version of the PlayStation 3 (PS3) is apparently in the offing – with both the websites showing a deal for a new PS3 with 160GB storage capacity.

As per a listing spotted by IGN on the GameStop website, a slim PS3 with 160GB storage capacity will likely have a retail price of $299.99; and is expected to arrive at the online retail store by Thursday, August 19. There are also speculations that a white version of the 160 GB model, as well as a rumored 300GB model, will also become available in the near future.

Sony had, in early July, launched the upgraded 160GB and 320GB versions of the PS3 for Japan only; and had announced that the models will be made available round the globe as and when there is demand for these consoles.

Going by the reports making rounds, the new 160GB model of the PS3 might apparently serve as a substitute for the existing 120GB model, which has a similar price tag.  

Referring to the new models, John Koller, Sony's director of hardware marketing, said in a statement on the PlayStation Blog: “These new higher capacity models will continue to offer the same advanced features and functions of the current models, but with approximately 33 percent more capacity and at compelling price points.”