Rumor: 'Slim' PS3 hitting shelves this Fall?

The PlayStation 3 has undergone a lot of changes since its initial launch in November of 2006 -- price drops, backwards compatibility removal, special features and the number of memory card doohickeys all came in varying shapes and sizes. What's next?

Speculation is starting to trickle in on a tidbit of gossip help by, of course, anonymous sources who know something secret about Sony regarding a "slim" redesign of the PS3. This new design would host the same stuff we've got now, but with a bigger hard drive, Dual Shock 3 controller, and of course, a less chubby look. Like we always say, take anonymous sources with a grain of salt. It'll happen eventually, we're sure, but this Fall? Hand us our salt shaker -- we need a couple million grains to take.

Although its a rumour but i think this is likely to happen...

http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/02/01/slim-ps3-hitting-shelves-this-fall/

I thought they were going to do it with the 40 GB model, since I saw no reason for removing 2 USB ports other than reducing the size.

Evidently I was wrong, so as far as I'm concerned this should happen rather soon if they want to make any significant inroads in the Japanese market.

I don't see it happening this year. Power6 architecture is just too damned hot and needs 45nm process at least, not to mention a few GPU shrinks (the RSX is still 90nm).

Even then, the power brick would be pretty large for the unit. Maybe in 2009 but I don't think it will happen in this calendar year.

Not till launch of net xbox or wii imo

They have already reduced power from 200+ to around 135 W... and they report further 40% reduction going into the 45nm this year... which means the power will come around like 100 to 110W.. and i m sure they can fit it in slim casing very nicely..

 http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/30/40gb-ps3-features-65nm-chips-lower-power-consumption/

http://www.ps3focus.com/archives/165

and they will be getting 45nm Cell chips this year.. so i see it pretty much happening ... atleast in japan...

ps. and don't forget they will be getting cooler dies for RSX also which can very well push the power envelope below 100W for the entire PS3 system.

 I am surprised that you guys know this stuff =p.

I thought all processors this generation were based off of the Power 3 architecture?

@ rocketpig

Do you think Sony could do if they had an external power brick?

a slim ps3 would be nice. i still have no compelling reasons for a ps3 at this point, however.

Just make another color, or a hello kitty edition, the Japanese will eat it up.