PSP phone rumours calling once again

We've heard enough PSP phone rumours to remain cynically cautious about any new ones that surface, such as this latest one from Reuters, which cites Japanese business newspaper Nikkei as suggesting Sony is putting together a development team for the project.

Sony Ericsson was recently denied access to the PlayStation brand, by all accounts, though it's also made an effort to unify its product range and attempt to get in on the smartphone craze that it's so far missed out on.

It has taken a baby step closer toward the gaming division, by adding PS3 connectivity to the new Aino handset, which perhaps built a few bridges between the two areas of the electronics giant.

A few months ago we'd have thought a PSP phone was a great idea (and still do, from a technophile's perspective). Surely such a device would now be competing with the forthcoming PSPgo, to some degree, which takes the edge off the rumour a little.

Then again, Sony has given out a rather tasty "no comment", which is often a good sign of a rumour being true. Or false.

But with all the big games companies getting behind the iPhone, Sony would do well to use every weapon in its arsenal to get back on track in the handheld gaming market. More news if it happens.