40GB PS3 "revealed" in Italy

Sony UK has dodged questions about its rumoured plan to unveil a 40GB PS3 this week, sticking firmly to is "no comment" guns despite apparent revelations in Italy.

It was speaking (or not speaking) in the aftermath of Italian trade magazine Gamestore "revealing" the new SKU for its region, carrying a launch date of 10th October and a price tag of EUR 399 (GBP 277). It's also available, Gamestore said, in a bundle with two games for EUR 499 (GBP 346).

Sony UK was reluctant to confirm the existence of the model in other regions, though, and also remained shy over speculation it will make an announcement before the end of the week.

Sky started original rumours last week by suggesting a new "Core" 40GB PS3 was on its way, backed up a few days later by Sony filing a new model with the FCC.

This mysterious SKU, known only as "CECHG01", has also appeared on a list of Blu-ray players alongside recognised 60GB (CECHA01) and 80GB (CECH01) units.

Unsupported rumours have since claimed it will be on sale across Australia on 11th October, too.

The new model also supposedly dumps backwards compatibility and has fewer USB ports.

We will let you know.