In an interview with The Guardian, Sony Europe president Sony Computer Entertainment Europe revealed that the company will swap out cell chips in the PlayStation 3 to reduce production costs later this year. In lieu of huge quarterly losses, Sony has already begun to slim down its staff and manufacturing base by cutting over 16,000 jobs and closing six production centers.

As one of the company's most notable products, the PlayStation 3 represents a significant portion of the company's manufacturing operations, and according to Reeves, will likely be undergoing some revisions later this year. Among the revisions will be a swap from the PS3's current 65 nanometer cell chip with a smaller, more cost effective 45 nanometer cell chip."We're always looking at ways to reduce costs," said Reeves. "Replacing the current 65 nanometre cell chip with a 45 nanometre one probably in middle of year."What does the new chip mean for the system? Well, the 45 nm chip has a higher energy efficiency and runs cooler than the current 65 nm chip. Additionally, the chip will make the overall production costs lower on the system, potentially paving the way for future price reductions. But don't get too excited, PS3 price reductions won't be happening anytime soon, during the interview Reeves maintained that resisting the urge to cut prices is crucial to Sony's economic rebound.For all the latest, stay tuned to IGN Gear.