Though SCEA refused to comment on rumors of cheaper, lighter PlayStation 2, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has formally announced the latest redesign of the PS2 hardware.

The new model arrives in the land of the rising sun on November 22 in three different colors: black, white, and silver. Listed as SCPH-90000, it is a slight streamlining of the existing slim PS2. It weighs in at 720 grams--about 200 grams less than the previous unit.

The bulky power unit has been moved inside the system without affecting the system's dimensions. The vertical stand, sold separately, has been redesigned to be more like a bookend, replacing the large circular footprint of the previous slim stand.

What's not different, at least for Japan, is the price. Though rumors claimed this unit would have a reduced cost, it has the same price the previous model carried in Japan: 16,000 yen (about $140).

It is, however, possible that the NA unveiling will be accompanied by a price drop. Shacknews contacted SCEA for more information, but was told, "We haven't made any announcement regarding bringing the redesigned PS2 to North America. "