Amazon Reveals Sony PSP Launch Date
Sony is inching closer toward meeting its self-imposed deadline for the worldwide delivery of its PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld gaming device. Amazon.com's UK Web site has revealed that the PSP will be released to suppliers on March 18, 2005, firing the opening shot in Sony's mission to unseat Nintendo as the dominant player in handheld gaming.
Although rumors about component procurement problems continue to persist, the company has already managed to distribute the PSP in Japan where it sold approximately 510,000 units inside of a month.
Product pricing was equivalent to $185 USD; however, the Amazon listing retails for £179.99 which, at today's exchange, amounts to $338.83 USD.
The PlayStation Portable wears many hats. At its heart it is a handheld gaming device, but Sony has equipped the PSP with the capacity to play music and display movies on a high resolution screen.
Rival Nintendo has taken a more conventional approach to its latest design and does not currently provide digital media playback on its DS system. The Nintendo DS was first available in mid-November for suggested retail price of $150 USD.
Additional features Sony has packed into the PSP include a new optical media format and battery life of four to six hours. A Sony spokesperson was not available for comment.