Sony has updated its PS4 hardware with a new version that is cheaper to produce, quieter, and more energy-efficient.

Available only in Japan for the time being, the revision, labelled CUH-1200, sports numerous motherboard changes but no alterations to the chassis design.

The console's 8GB of RAM are now provided by eight modules instead of sixteen; circuit board chip placement has been optimised; and a new, lighter power supply has been added.

Power consumption on the new model is down 18 percent from the original PS4, and also generates less heat, resulting in in lower fan noise.

The CUH-1200 is distinct from the new 1TB PS4 that was announced recently.