Whispers that the handset manufacturer might be planning a device based around gaming functions have been circulating for years, especially after the success of its Cyber-shot imaging range and Walkman music family.

There’s been feverish speculation that the company is working on a PlayStation-branded phone – and insiders suggest this is being explored.

However, MCV sister publication Mobile Entertainment understands that the forthcoming device will not be PSP branded and will be unveiled in February.

It will offer a games-oriented user interface and styling, and comprise technical innovations such as motion-sensitivity, which will pave the way for Wii-like gameplay on a handset.

The speculation hardened a year ago when Sony Ericsson’s design guru, Rikko Sakaguchi, hinted he was working on a gaming concept. Earlier this summer, the blogs re-printed what were said to be drawings of a prototype. SE has enjoyed huge success with Cyber-shot and Walkman phones – and has even launched a Bravia-branded phone in Japan.

The drive towards a mobile gaming handset, or at least strategy, is certainly building among the hardware vendors. In November, Nokia will launch its new N-Gage platform – not a device this time, but a storefront that connects to state-of-the-art community-led games.