FCC Approves New PS3 SKU

While it's based on the 80GB architecture (CECHE01), Sony has apparently given a new PS3 SKU to the Federal Communications Commission for approval. The short-term confidentiality will expire on May 14th of this year, but hopefully Sony will provide an official statement before then.

As of this writing it's still unknown whether this new model is part of an upcoming bundle (MGS4 perhaps?), the introduction of a new color (eg, a white 80GB PS3), or simply an updated version of the internal hardware (new Bluetooth module, WLAN antenna, etc).

[decapitator]

Could be either the MGS4 bundle or the White PS3 bundle.

[Lifendz]

I still think the 60gb is the best thing going. Full backwards computability makes all the difference...to me at least.

[MikeGdaGod]

i hope its a new color

[WAR_MACHINE77]

Its probably just the same old 80 gig with a new, cheaper parts revision.

[dragunrising]

I would hope backwards compatibility is included in the new 80 gig. I have the 40 gig and appreciate that it uses the more energy efficient chips; would be nice if the newer chips and backwards compatibility made it into the model.

I was thinking about upgrading my hard drive. Does anyone know how to do it without the loss of data. I know I'm going to screw something up.

PSN tag- undertheblue

[King2008]

The Metal Gear bundle but I hope that if its the same as the 80 gig it keeps the limited BC because some ps2 users may still want their old library of games to be playable. It'll make it easier for them to upgrade.

[SL1M DADDY]

I bet my next paycheck on this one.

[meepmoopmeep]

they should just get rid of the 40GB. price the 80 like the 40 and bring out the white ones for those who want it. i don't understand how they couldn't have added BC in the 40 when the 80 is software emulated. couldn't they just install the emulator? i mean, it wouldn't cost anything if the program is already made.

[Gorgon]

Its not totally software emulated. The limited BC SKUs still have one of the PS2 chips. The totally BC SKUS have both PS2 chips. The 40GB have none of the chips.

[crunchie101]

Gorgon, you're right - why did someone disagree with you?

Idiots.

[JoelR]

As Gorgon said
40 gig does not have the RS chip

the 80 gig and 60 euro has the RS chip (and use Software emulation for the EE)

the 20 and 60 gig (NA and Japan) uses the EE + RS combo

[Gorgon]

JoeIR:

Are you sure the new 80GB PAL/US SKU will have the RS chip? haven't heard about that.

[JoelR]

Current models only - I can't prognosticate about future models.
Should have made it more clear
I meant the currently sold 80 gig model in NA and Japan
and the 60 gig in the EU

[Meus Renaissance]

It's the MGS4 Bundle. I'm surprised people are even speculating about an unannounced SKU when we already knew the 80GB was coming back

[Frnicatr]

Last time we had an FCC approval story it never happened. Where's our white 40 GB PS3 that FCC supposedly approved?

[Sev]

I would like to see a GTA bundle. To me MGS4 is a bigger and better game, but I know to most people out there GTA is the biggest game.

I would love to see Sony milk the cash cow that is GTA and bundle the PS3 along with a copy of GTA. This would raise awareness of GTA as a PlayStation brand, and would sell to all those people holding out on buying a PS3 because they are waiting for the 80GB MGS4 bundle.

Trust me there are a ton of people out there waiting for the bundle. I think Sony has shot themselves in the foot, by announcing the MGS4 bundle too early. Everyone is waiting for the better deal...
PS3 plus DualShock 3, plus MGS4? Cant blame them for wanting to wait for the best value possible.

[S1nnerman]

Just wish I had more money (and time) to play the games coming out. I'm turning into a social recluse!

[Maddens Raiders]

I've been a social recluse since Super Mario Bros.

Games > People

[No FanS Land]

I'm pretty sure it's the MGS4 bundle, but I don't understand why sony would need to submit the 80gb model once again, I mean, the FCC has already permitted it back in July 07. Surely because it is a new color, because normally the MGS4 bundle comes with a steel finish ps3.

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

I'm pretty sure, in order to submit to FCC there are some changes to the internal hardware. Maybe cost cutting or maybe they are re-introducing hardware BC (wishfull thinking)...

The bottom line is, how much did Sony save by removing 2 chips?

I know it adds up, but it seemed wiser to keep the 60GB BC and increase it to 80GB and sell it at a premium for people that want it all... Instead they crippled all the PS3 SKU's (in my opinion)....

I'm not buying a PS3 until they re-introduce BC, the Metal Gear Solid Bundle with the matte black/metal comes to the US or they drop the price to sub $200!

[longduckdong]

Japan will have 4 colors (black, white, electronics grey, and the MGS grey) while everybody else just has black.

[DJ]

Due to the steel finish.