It seems it's finally happened.  Ever since the release of Metal Gear Solid 4, the internet has been awash with fans eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the blockbuster stealth series. After all the videos of hated enemies talking about 'that other thing', cryptic ads with large 5's in the sky, and even an iPhone interpretation of MGS4, an e-commerce database on Seven Eleven's Japanese web site seemingly confirms the development of a new game in the franchise.

The Kanji phrase "メタルギア新作 ", when tossed through Google, roughly translates to "A Metal Gear new work."

The page is for an upcoming issue of Famitsu PS3+PSP, so it can safely be assumed that the title will, as expected, be coming to a Sony platform.

Not enough evidence?  Hideo Kojima's web site has a countdown scheduled to end in just a few hours, at the end of which he will unveil the new game from Kojima Productions.

The page also confirms the existence of a new entry in the Japan-only Idol Masters series for the Nintendo DS.