Post by Segaman on Oct 27, 2004 22:52:03 GMT -5
While the gaming industry has been overrun with speculation regarding Sony's upcoming handheld device, today SCEI silenced rumors by announcing the official release and pricing information for the PSP. Available in Japan on December 12th, 2004, Sony's PlayStation Portable will debut for the retail price of 19,800 yen which equates to about $185 US. Also available to Japanese consumers will be a bundle including both a Memory Stick Duo (2,800 yen) and Headphone with remote control (2,940 yen). This bundle will be available for 26,040 yen or about $243 US. The system will launch with 21 titles and loads of accessories, some of which will prove to be necessities to anyone hoping to truly take advantage of the system's portable gaming power. The lineup includes an AC Adapter (3,500 yen), Battery Pack (4,800 yen), Headphone with remote control (2,800 yen), Soft case and hand strap (2,000 yen) and Memory Stick Duo (2,800 yen).
The announcement comes as a surprise to many who have speculated the handheld device would launch with an MSRP upwards of $350. Also interesting is the timing of the launch which will see Sony's PSP hitting Japanese store shelves only ten days after Nintendo's latest handheld, the Nintendo DS, arrives in the region. Sony's PSP is expected to hit North American shores sometime in 2005.
The announcement comes as a surprise to many who have speculated the handheld device would launch with an MSRP upwards of $350. Also interesting is the timing of the launch which will see Sony's PSP hitting Japanese store shelves only ten days after Nintendo's latest handheld, the Nintendo DS, arrives in the region. Sony's PSP is expected to hit North American shores sometime in 2005.
