Sony PSP launches in North America

The highly anticipated PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld games console from Sony was released in the United States and Canada yesterday. Described by Sony as a "portable entertainment system", the device also has the ability to play music and movies.

One million "value packs" went on sale at over 18,000 retail locations for the sum of USD 249.99 and CND 299.99. At the current time, 24 games are available in North America for the PSP, with in excess of 100 in development world wide. Notable launch window titles include Metal Gear Acid from Konami, Need for Speed Rivals from EA Games, and Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Remix from Activision.

"The launch of PSP in North America marks a new chapter in portable entertainment, giving consumers the freedom to access the entirety of their entertainment options without sacrificing quality all through one extraordinary product," said Kaz Hirai, president and chief executive officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "As the tremendous response to PSP continues to grow, we are redefining the marketplace with a comprehensive portable entertainment system."

No official European launch date has been announced for the PSP yet, but it is likely to be sometime in the late Spring or early Summer of this year.

Article posted 25th March 2005 by rparnell.