Rumours that a redesigned PlayStation 3 has been created are false, at least according to Sony.

Over the past few days rumours began emerging online that the firm’s poised to unveil a new-look PS3 at the E3 games show in Los Angeles next month.

This led many gamers to assume that a second-gen PS3 would see some of the console’s considerable bulk lopped off, in much the same way as the PS2 went from bulky to slimline back in 2004.

However, Sony UK today said it currently has no plans for a redesigned PS3. Pretty clear cut, then?

Except that's what Sony UK always says when asked about console developments.

Speculation that a redesigned PlayStation Portable (PSP) has also begun cropping up again over the past few days. Sony has already hinted that the UMD format could be phased out over time and it’s reasonable to assume that this could lead to a slimmer handheld console. ®

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