It seems some PlayStation Portable (PSP) fanboys are so keen to get their hands on a mobile phone-enabled version of the handheld console that they’re willing to design their own.

Designer Muhummad Oli has meshed a Sony Ericsson handset together with a PSP, creating a handheld games console that not only satisfies mobile gamers’ thirsts, but which also keeps them connected.

The sliding concept PSP phone

Oli’s design has squared-off the PSP’s traditional rounded ends and made it into a two-part sliding device, with controls for the console sat on both sections. The concept PSP is also designed to incorporate a 3.2-megapixel camera, an MP3 player and provide Wi-Fi access.

Unfortunately, a real PSP phone definitely isn’t on the cards, though. A Sony executive’s recent words suggesting that one could be in development were taken out of context - according to other Sony staffers. But, then again, Sony denied the existence of the 40GB and 80GB PS3 too... right up until their appearance on store shelves.

For the time being, PSP fanboys will just have to console themselves will the gadget's latest firmware update, dubbed version 3.80. It’s due to be released next week and adds in an RSS client and the ability to record digital TV and Internet radio broadcasts. Unfortunately, the update’s only available for Japan for the moment.

Oh, when will the torment end?