Sony today reveal that while their pseudo-official SonyStyle retailer is now offering the best PlayStation 3 prices in the land that the special offers being presented are actually nothing to do with them. SonyStyle, and Centres are franchises apparently - and function entirely independently.

SonyStyle have been offering the 80Gb console for 259 GBP, with the 40Gb system available for a credit crunch-busting 249 GBP. These prices are seemingly the cheapest presently available, but this doesn't amount to a Sony-led cut leaving retailers in the cold, we hear.

"SonyStyle and Sony Centres are franchises. We deal them as we do any other retailer and they have their own freedom to create offers and promotions, just as other players in the market can do," site Eurogamer.net were told.

Speculation points to a proper price cut of some description early in 2009, although Sony have flatly rejected word that they have any pre-festive season plans.

By Luke Guttridge