Sony

Sony might be working on a new version of the PlayStation 3, according to one report.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published an exhibit on its Web site of what appears to be a new PlayStation 3. Sony requested that the government organization inspect the device to ensure it was within the FCC's guidelines for wireless support. According to the FCC file, it received the sample device back in March.

Although the "PlayStation" branding is not included in the FCC's inspection, the organization makes clear that Sony Computer Entertainment is the applicant and it examined a "computer entertainment system." U.K.-based gaming site Eurogamer believes that it's a new PlayStation 3 because of its model number, CECH-4001x.

The site's claim is certainly feasible: Sony's current PlayStation 3 has a CECH-3000 series model number.

Eurogamer went one step further with its predictions for the device, saying that it believes it'll be a slimmer PlayStation 3. The site says that it spoke with Sony Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida last month about the possibility of a slimmer PlayStation 3 launching, and he said that he would "never say never."

If Sony launches a new, thinner PlayStation 3, it wouldn't be the first time. Back in 2009, the company launched the PlayStation 3 Slim, a substantially smaller version than the model it launched in 2006.

Sony declined CNET's request for comment on the FCC leak.

Update 8:36 a.m. PT to include Sony's no comment.