Amid rumblings that Sony is preparing a slim version of its PS3 hardware, a source close to technology site Arstechnica has claimed that such a revision will not be announced or shown at E3.
If it's real, why is Sony keeping quiet? Ars surmises that due to the fact there are still a bunch of PS3 units out there in retail channels, meaning a hardware-related announcement would not be the wisest move. Seeing as Sony wants to maximize sales, expect official word on the PS3 Slim when stock of the current model begins to dry up, around the late summer or fall months.
While a price cut announcement at E3 still remains a distinct possibility, Sony may choose to wait and pull that card after the PS3 Slim hits store shelves, presumably during the holiday months when momentum is at its peak.
On the handheld side of things, Ars notes that the revamped, UMD-less PSP Go! is likely to be announced at E3, as previous rumors have indicated.
As always, only time will tell if these reports end up panning out. eXophase.com will be liveblogging the Sony press conference straight from The Shrine Auditorium next week on June 2.
Mole: PSP-Go details confirmed, smaller PS3 is on the way [Ars]