Sony has launched its 12GB Playstation 3 in the United States for $200. Originally launching in Europe last year, the console is now available on the Sony Store and Best Buy.

The new PS3 drops the hard drive for 12GB of flash memory, just like the 4GB Xbox 360. It was rumored to soon be coming to the US after being spotted at Wal-Mart and FutureShop in Canada last week.

The new flash-based PS3 is available in two different configurations at Best Buy right now. You can grab the console alone or bundled with Naughty Dog's The Last of Us and Uncharted 3: Game of the Year Edition for $259.98. It comes with your standard wireless controller, Blu-ray player and 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi.

At about $70 cheaper than a 500GB PS3 bundle, this isn't a huge value but could be a great option for more casual gamers. Another way to look at it might be is that it's just enough space to meet Grand Theft Auto V's 8GB storage requirement when it drops on September 17. Keep in mind though, we often times see the 250GB PS3 bundles available on eBay and other trusted retailers for as little as $229.99, sometimes including a PS Move and Eye.