FCC: White PS3 Bound for North America (Updated)

Update: A Sony Computer Entertainment America representative has responded to Shacknews' inquiry, insinuating that the filing was routine and is not necessarily indicative of a forthcoming release.

"There are many FCC filings like this each year," explained the representative. "We haven't made any announcements about upcoming PS3 plans, but are comfortable with our current two SKU strategy. We are continually evaluating the market trends and consumer input to determine the appropriate PS3 models for our territory."

Original Story: Recent FCC listings indicate that Sony Computer Entertainment will be bringing the white PlayStation 3 to North America.

Released in Japan last fall, the white PS3 is functionally identical to the $399 black 40GB model that arrived in North America at about the same time. It features built-in Wi-Fi support, two USB ports--down from the four of the launch PS3 units--and lacks the ability to play PlayStation 2 software. The white Japanese model included a 40GB hard drive as well.

The reduced feature list, along with the lower price point, have been attributed to Sony's efforts to cut its losses on the hardware.

Included in the filings were several pictures of the unit, along with a letter, dated October 3, 2007, from Sony's product quality office, requesting that word of the FCC examining the white PS3 be "temporarily withheld from public disclosure" in order to "avoid premature release of sensitive information."

No further details, such as a price point or release date, have been released, though an official announcement from Sony Computer Entertainment is expected shortly.