After months of delays, the PlayStation 3 (PS3) was finally launched in the UK last month.
But inmates in British prisons will have to wait even longer before trying out Sony's next generation games console.
The Home Office has confirmed that the PS3 has been banned from prisons because of concerns about its Wi-Fi capabilities.
"Advice was issued to all prisons in December 2005 that the Sony PlayStation 3 was barred from the prison estate because of the equipment's ability to send and receive radio signals," home secretary John Reid told MPs.
The PS3 offers improved gaming and a built-in high-definition DVD player.
Despite the delay in launching the new console, Sony is confident that its latest offering can challenge Microsoft's Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii.
However, because it uses wireless technology to connect with its portable cousin, the PSP, and other devices, it will not be allowed in British prisons.
A similar ban was slapped on the PS2 amid concerns about inmates using it to look at pornography.
Monday, 2nd April 2007
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The PlayStation 3.

Sony's PlayStation 3 Entertainment System has been banned in British prisons. One of its key features is built in Wi-Fi which has the ability to send radio signals. To prevent prisoners from sending messages about jail breaks and other possible violations, it has been banned.

"The Sony PlayStation 3 was barred from the prison estate because of the equipment's ability to send and receive radio signals," said British Home Secretary John Reid.

The PlayStation 3 was launched in the United Kingdom last month. A similar ban was put in for Sony's PlayStation 2 which was alleged that inmates could use it to look at pornography.