Updated Sony has confirmed those recent rumours of an upcoming 250GB slimline PlayStation 3.

Sony will sell the 250GB slimline PS3 in a bundle with Final Fantasy XIII

The most capacious slimline PS3 yet – Sony’s previous PS3 slim sported a 120GB HDD – will be launched alongside the release of upcoming videogame Final Fantasy XIII.

Gamers will be offered the 250GB slimline PS3 slim in a bundle pack. In addition to a copy of the game itself, the “ceramic white” console’s top plate will be etched with an image of the title’s heroine – Lightning.

Sony’s also sprayed the console’s Dual Shock 3 wireless controller ceramic white, to match the console.

By announcing plans for a 250GB slimline PS3, Sony has brought the console’s capacity inline with that of the Microsoft’s Xbox 360 – which has two 250GB limited edition models available.

The bad news for storage-hungry PS3 fans is that, so far, Sony has only confirmed a launch date – 17 December - for the 250GB model in its native Japan.

But since Final Fantasy XIII is set to be released in Blighty on 25 June 2010, it’s reasonable to assume that a similar UK launch is also on the cards.

Update

Sony has since confirmed plans to launch three 250GB slimline PS3 bundles into the UK.

From 1 October, the more capacious console will be available with your choice of two Platinum titles or videogame infamous.

Then, from 16 October, an Uncharted 2: Amongst Thieves 250GB slimline PS3 bundle will be launched.

The final bundle pack, set for release on 19 October, will include the 250GB slimline PS3 and Blu-ray versions of films X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Batman: The Dark Knight. A Blu-ray remote control will also be included.

All three bundles will be priced at £285 ($466/€315), Sony said. ®