A new filing by Sony Computer Entertainment with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) implies that the company is preparing a new CECH-40 model of PlayStation 3 game console. Some believe that the novelty may be an ultra slim version of the gaming device, other think that Sony plans to change a number of significant components, but leave the console generally similar.

Apparently, Sony is preparing to introduce PlayStation 3 model CECH-4001x, according to the AK8CBEH19C1 filing with FCC. Sony's model numbers for PS3 always begin from CECH-**, where ** are model prefixes that point to the generation of the console as well as onto it core specs like chip revisions and their manufacturing technology, mainboard versions, etc. The remaining digits and letters point to other region the device is intended for as well as the hard drive capacity. The first-generation PS3 consoles carried CECH*-like model numbers, whereas the second-generation PS3s (slim) are marked according to the new nomenclature: CECH-20, CECH-21, CECH-25 or CECH-30.  All-in-all, the CECH-4001x model number clearly points to a brand-new generation of Sony PlayStation 3 game system intended for selling in 01 region, or the U.S. and Canada.

Since Sony does not pre-announce its game consoles it is unclear what the model CECH-40 will look like. Meanwhile, Eurogamer web-site points to a rumour which claims that Sony Computer Entertainment plans to unleash an ultra-slim version of the PS3 at Gamescon trade-show in Germany next month.

Since it has been three years since Sony unveiled its second-gen PS3 slim, it is about time to release a new version of the console that will be smaller, slimmer, cheaper to manufacture and that will be sold for many years to come after the PlayStation 4 "Orbis" emerges late in 2013. The same scenario was used by Sony with the PlayStation 2 back in 2004, when it launched the PlayStation 2 slimline that is still available.

SCE did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Sony, Playstation