Millions of gamers own the hand-held Play Station Portable video gaming device. But, Sony representatives say the console is useful for more than entertainment. The Independent reports:

"Sony, the firm famous for its video-game consoles, is getting involved. The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was launched some years ago to allow children to play games on the move; now it's being developed for educational purposes. The latest models can be used to download videos created by teachers, so pupils can keep up to date with classes wherever and whenever they like.

"Why not give children something they already know how to use?" says Mark Stimpfig, one of the directors of ConnectED, the UK educational distributors of the Sony PSP. "It's very video-based, which contrasts greatly with virtual learning environments, which are very static. If there are two and a half million children out there using their PSPs to play games, then there's no reason why teachers shouldn't use them for teaching purposes."

While current projects focus on educating children, there's no reason adults couldn't benefit from a similar system in the future. It just may be the excuse you need to put a "toy" on your holiday wishlist.