80GB PlayStation 3 appears at FCC

A updated version of Sony's PlayStation 3 console has been sent to the FCC, documents show. Any new device with wireless technology must be approved by the FCC; the Sony application notes, however, that the company has only made two minor changes, one of which is merely an adjustment to the construction of the Bluetooth module. The other is a switch to an 80GB hard drive, a boost from the presently-offered 40GB capacity. The storage should allow gamers to keep more games, music, videos and other material.

Sony has sold several different capacity options throughout the PS3's history. The console initially launched in 20 and 60GB versions, but the popularity of the 60GB model led to the 20GB edition disappearing. Both were eventually replaced by 40 and 80GB variants, the latter also having disappeared in recent months. It is unclear why Sony would introduce a second 80GB system, although Microsoft offers a 120GB model of its Xbox 360 console.