Rumour: Sony shelves PSPgo

A blog post, seemingly written by a Japanese Sony Shop employee, has claimed that Sony has ceased production of its low-selling PSPgo. Sony has so far refused to confirm or deny the rumour.

The blog post, translated by Andriasang, also points out that the handheld is unavailable for purchase via Sony Japan's store.

Meanwhile, Sony's UK store lists the black PSPgo as "temporarily unavailable", though the white version is available for next day delivery.

In a statement released to Eurogamer, Sony refused to comment directly on whether production has indeed been ceased:

"It is a very exciting time for PlayStation portable devices," Sony said. "Before the end of the year we are launching NGP, our next generation portable device, which we believe will revolutionise portable gaming. In the meantime, the current generation of PSPs continue to be in demand, especially since the introduction of our value for money, Essentials range of games and we will continue to meet that demand."

The handheld proved unpopular with some retailers at its inception due to its lack of a physical media drive. All software titles for the device are downloadable, cutting the retailers out of the software supply chain.

PSPgo recently underwent a price cut in Australia.

Sony's NGP, the successor to PSP, is launching towards the end of 2011.