Typically, the "Big Three" console makers--Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony--decline to comment when purported photos of new hardware designs are leaked. That wasn't the case last week, when Sony Computer Entertainment Europe flatly dismissed what looked like snapshots of a new 120GB slimline PlayStation 3. "We currently don't have any plans for a redesigned PS3," a rep told UK outlet CVG, appearing to put a stake in the heart of the matter.

　　However, all that changed this week when the Taiwanese law firm of Li Mo and Associates sent out letters to various gaming outlets--including GameSpot--demanding that photos of the PS3 Slimline be removed forthwith. Sent on behalf of an unnamed client, the letter contains language that suggests the photos may be authentic and not a knockoff console like the much-mocked Vii.

　　The same letter sent to GameSpot was also received by tech blog Engadget and game site Spong and reads as follows:

　　Dear Sirs,

　　As appointed by our client, we hereby inform you that the Web pages on your Web site (as attached hereto) contain some of our client's confidential documents and photos, which were highly possibly illegally released and posted.

　　We are investigating this violation and will bring all necessary legal actions regarding this matter. In order to protect the confidential information and prevent you from further legal issues and infringements, please immediately remove those pages and keep our request confidential. Thank you for your cooperation.

　　Your cooperation is deeply appreciated.

　　When contacted by GameSpot, Sony Computer Entertainment America declined to comment on the letter, whether it had any relationship to Sony, or the PS3 Slim photos' authenticity. "We don't comment on rumors or speculation," a corporate communications representative said.