Console hardware coming in different colored plastic chassis is something that occurs throughout a system’s life cycle. Nintendo is known for its multitude of colors dating back to the Nintendo 64 and its Game Boy Pocket. On the other hand, Sony tends to be a little more conservative, sticking to black for its original models of PS2, PSP and PS3.

Thus far, the PlayStation 3 has only been offered outside of Asia in only black, but that will soon change with the introduction of a “very, very limited” edition color to celebrate the June 12 release of Metal Gear Solid 4.

Originally offered (and quickly sold out) through the Konami Japan store, the Metal Gear Solid 4 Limited Edition differentiates itself from its predecessors with its the "Hagane" or steel-colored exterior and matching controller.

While such limited edition consoles that arrive to commemorate the release of a blockbuster title are usually Japan-exclusive, Konami representatives confirmed yesterday that such a specially colored console will be coming North America.

Called “gunmetal grey” in color, the limited edition appears to feature a matte finish – something those who dislike the fingerprint-magnet polished finish of the current colors.

Konami did not reveal shipment numbers, packaging or any further details, but promised more information soon. If the special edition console will be anything like the Japanese version, then it will likely come with a DualShock 3 controller and Limited Edition of Metal Gear Solid 4. Also unclear at this time is the hard drive size and PS2 backwards compatibility of this model.

The “gunmetal” package shouldn’t be confused with the 80GB PS3 bundle Sony announced in February, which retains the same properties as the 80GB SKU that was packaged with MotorStorm.