After months of endless rumours that the Playstation Portable will not be released in 2004 and will cost more than $350, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has announced the official PSP retail price as well as the official launch date for Japan. The PSP will ship to stores in Japan on the 12th of December 2004. Retailing at just 20,790 Yen (£106 according to XE.com), the PSP will cost slightly more than the Nintendo DS (15,000 yen; £78).
At launch there will also be a number of different PSP packages. The standard package will bundle the handheld itself, an AC adaptor and a battery pack. At 24,000 Yen, the other package – intended specifically as a value deal – will offer what is already included in the former package plus a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, a set of custom-designed headphones with a shiny remote control and a carrying case.
A number of import specialist sites have already kicked off their PSP pre-order bargains, with Play-Asia.com doing it for $269.90.
No mention of any American or European launch dates, but the assumption of a first-half 2005 date seems like a logical one.
The mobile wars are sure to be vicious, so keep your eye on Gaming Headlines for more coverage on both platforms – the Playstation Portable and the Nintendo DS. RP
