3DS and PSP-4000 due by end of year?

What we heard: In April this year , rumours surfaced that Nintendo was gearing up to launch its upcoming 3D-capable handheld by October this year, a move that would allow it to get a two-month jump on the holiday shopping season. However, the publisher remained vague about the 3DS' release date during this year's E3, stating only that it would arrive sometime before the end of its fiscal year in March 2011.

Now, it seems the initial rumours might be true. In its latest financial report, Japanese game and movie retailer Geo Corp. reportedly lists the Nintendo 3DS as due to go on sale in Japan before the end of 2010.

The report also lists a product named the "PSP-4000" due for release by the year's end. While speculation about a new PSP handheld has surfaced in the past, Sony has made no official announcements or mention of it to date.

The official story: A representative from Sony Computer Entertainment Australia told GameSpot that the company "does not comment on rumour or speculation."

A representative from Nintendo Australia reiterated the publisher's initial announcement regarding the release date for the 3DS, telling GameSpot: "[The] Nintendo 3DS is planned to launch in Financial Year 2011. Exact date TBC."

Bogus or not bogus?: Too early to tell. The original source does make mention of the fact that the Geo Corp. report makes errors concerning other releases. Gran Turismo 5, for example, was listed for a September release instead of November, while Pokemon Black & White is listed for October instead of September.