Sony’s new Slim PS3 console in already in the shops! Online retailers Amazon.com and GameStop are already showing them as in stock whilst some high street stores including Best Buy are reported to already have them on the shelves.

It remains to be seen what the level of demand will be like for the console and just how many units Sony have managed to get out into the retail chain.

Retailer GameStop is allowing customers to pre-order the new Slim PS3 online and in its stores whilst giving an indicated shipping date of 25 August. This is obviously several days before the consoles actual release date of 1 September so anyone ordering now could well receive their new slimmed down PS3 a good few days prior to availability on the high street.