45w ago - Today Japanese site PocketNews (linked above) reports a new PS3 Slim model (CECH-4000 / CECH-4001x) has been spotted registered on the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) site.

While there is little information on the new SKU, the FCC ID is listed as AK8CBEH19C1 and rumors suggest the new PlayStation 3 model may feature a top-loading disc tray similar to the one on the PS2 Slim.

El33tOnline.com also points out that PS3 Firmware 4.20 slightly changed the wording on the XMB from 'Eject Disc' to 'Remove Disc' when you press Triangle to bring up a disc-based game's option menu.. stating, "Sony released a PS2 Super Slim in 2008 that featured an internal power supply and was lighter than the original Slim model."

To quote, roughly translated: "You think AK8CBEH19C1 is FCC ID, so CECH-4001x model number in North America, and appeared in the model number called CECH-4000B or CECH-4000A in the country.

169w ago - Last year we first uncovered Sony using the "Sand Dollar Enterprise, Inc" pseudonym to list PS3 Slims with the FCC, and today two new PlayStation 3 Slim models have been uncovered- the CECH-2101A and CECH-2101B.

In this FCC document [PDF] it states the difference between the CECH-2101A and CECH-2102B model is HDD type only.

For those unaware, the "X" in the models CECH-210XA and CECH-210XB represents the region coding, so replacing it with a "0" would signify Japan, a "1" for North America, "2" for Australia / New Zealand, "3" for U.K. / Ireland, "4" for Europe / Middle East / Africa and so on.

To quote: "We're not sure why Sony is passing two new PS3 Slims through the FCC. The wireless specs on the new PS3 Slims include 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth - nothing new there.

We're guessing that maybe Sony found a new manufacturer for some of its wireless components, and was forced to...

195w ago - Today we uncovered a second PS3 Slim model CECH-2000B (not to be confused with the already known CECH-2000A 120GB model) on the FCC site that Sony tried to hide under a company called Sand Dollar Enterprise, Inc. of 1518 Ascension Drive in San Mateo CA.

Now, Sand Dollar Enterprise, Inc is represented by SCEA's General Council, Riley Russell.

This house is actually a private residence, but whomever lives here filed the documents with the FCC, most likely on the behalf of Sony, as they would be much harder to find with a different FCC ID (XCE) than that of Sony (AK8).

This means that some time in the future (for probably a premium, maybe $349 or so), a new PS3 Slim may come out featuring a 250GB HDD. There is not much of a difference, but expect it to be bundled with a game or so, right in time for Christmas!

Also, for the DEVs listening - two new PS3 TEST's were hidden in these documents, thats right, Slim Line DEBUG stations!

The models DECH-2000A, features a 150GB HDD, and should be adorned...

196w ago - As we brought the first pictures of the new PS3 TOOL, we also bring more information, thanks to the FCC.

Finally the FCC's images of the DECH-1400A have been made available for public viewing, and they show very interesting hardware differences.

One would assume with a newer PS3 TOOL that they would use a new board, but according to the User Manual, the PS3 pulls ~300 watts of power, and pictures show that it features 4 USB ports.

However, the few internal shots that can be seen feature a much smaller Blu-ray connector, perhaps SATA, as the pincount is greatly reduced.

What makes this unit so interesting is the fact that it seems to take the best components from both old and new systems- a newer BD drive, but with the old style mainboard!

More detailed pictures are below in PDF format!

Downloads: Internal Photos [PDF] / External Photos...

268w ago - Sony has very recently handed over a new PS3 SKU to the FCC for approval.

However, it does appear to be based on the 80GB specification (CECHE01) which indicates that it could be part of a new bundle or even a new color. Or even less exciting, the new SKU could just be an updated version of the hardware.

Those interested can read all the documents at fcc.gov.