A mention of an 80GB PS3 has been found in a letter written by Sony to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The letter, dated March 2, appears to be looking for approval to change the specifications of its PS3, the original of which was granted back in September 2006.

Those changes include a few modifications to the Bluetooth module and an 80GB hard drive, which Sony claim to be in development prototype stage. However, just because Sony applied for the approval doesn’t mean that it is definitely something that will be followed through.

A Sony representative stated, “As mentioned when we made the product announcement for the PS3, the system will have different configurations (60GB and 20GB). Application to the FCC has been made with various possibilities in mind, however, it does not lead to a new product announcement at this time”.

Another representative was more negative, "The 80GB we're not making any comment on, but we don't have any plans at the moment".

Microsoft’s recent release of their 120GB Xbox 360 Elite give weight to the possibility of a more powerful PS3.