The power of the PlayStation 3's mighty Cell CPU could be utilised in a number of machines soon, according to the latest reports seeping out of Japan. Rumour has it that will use the technology in machines for their 6 arcade beat-em-up.

Reports suggest this will be the first time the PS3's 'engine' will be used outside of the console itself, though it probably won't be the last, given the number of times and IBM have emphasised the versatility of the chip. No release date for the new Arcade machine has been rumoured, but we do hear of the possibility that Bandai might license other Sony bits 'n bobs in the future.

Deals like this could be one way for Sony help bolster their somewhat diminished bottom line, with the company announcing that research budgets will be slashed post-PS3 launch, and even that a could follow fairly rapidly for the console, in order to bolster in Japan.

More on this as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge