An interesting new PlayStation 3 accessory has recently showed up on the net. The device, dubbed “PS3 HD Plus PHE-01,” is an eSATA adapter that latches to the bottom the console to allow for external SATA hard disk connectivity and essentially unlimited storage capacity.

Unlike Team Xecuter's Hard Drive Xtender, this device supposedly gives the console the ability to recognize an external eSATA drive. Even more, the PHE-01 also comes with an additional four USB ports which is more than convenient in our opinion given Sony’s decision to put only two USB ports on more recent PS3 models.

The device comes with a mini USB cable as well as 60GB and 40GB PS3 brackets, a 40GB bracket cover, but sadly no eSATA cable. On another note, the installation manual warns that the PS3 does not support all hard drive models, and interestingly suggests users to use a 3.5-inch Hitachi 500GB, a 3.5-inch Seagate 500GB, or a 3.5-inch Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB (WD1001FALS).

While we are thankful that there is now an alternative to use the faster eSATA standard over standard external USB hard drives, there is real evidence that the PS3 HD Plus PHE-01 will even be available. While some suggest it may be a leaked prototype, all we can do for now is check out more images of it here.