Sony is preparing a slimmer version of the chunky PlayStation 3, it has been claimed, a move that would match what's it's already done with the PSone, PS2 and PSP.

According to a “well-informed insider” cited by birds'n'boxes mag Tomorrow's Technology Today, that trend will be repeated with the PS3.

Unfortunately, Sony’s official line for the time being is that it doesn’t comment on speculation or rumour.

It’s impossible to know how a slim’n’light PS3’s tech specs will differ from previous models. However, reports of higher capacity models have been floating around for a wee while – although Sony’s already denied it’s working to add more storage to the machine.

More storage would be a real bonus for the PlayTV DVR add-on Sony has already announced will be coming to the PS3 this year.

Sony has a history of slimming down its existing consoles. It’s already slimmed down the PSP and built in Skype connectivity. The PS2 has also been slimmed down into a flat-pack offering.

The company couldn’t be reached at the time we went to press, but we’ll let you know as soon as a Sony exec denies the rumours gets back to us.