By Claire Reilly

Sony Computer Entertainment has announced the release of two new coloured PlayStation 3 consoles to add to its line-up of 500GB models. In the proud tradition of creative colour naming, the colours are known as “Garnet Red” and “Azurite Blue”.

The models will be available for RRP $399.95 from “select stockists, for a limited time only”. Both will go on sale on 21 February 2013.

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Those PS3 fans keeping a close eye on their calendars will observe that this launch date is just one day after Sony is set to make a global announcement about its PlayStation range. Considering the increased speculation surrounding new console releases this year, many pundits are hoping the announcement relates to the heavily-anticipated PlayStation 4.

Although any global launch will take its time to reach the Australian market, it is curious that Sony is trying to generate buzz around a model that may soon be redundant.

Either way, if a new console is released, retailers will be given a golden opportunity to boost sales of the superceded model as casual gamers look to get a well-spec’d console at a discounted price.

The PS3 in Garnet Red…

…and Azurite Blue.