Almost a year after its official revelation, Gizmondo Europe today announced that it has started shipping Gizmondo units to retail stores throughout the United Kingdom.
In addition to today’s shipments, the company has announced that some of the first units to be released will be on display at the upcoming Best of Stuff 2005 show in London on the 5th-7th of November.
Games released at or shortly after launch include:
- Super Drop Mania (puzzle)
- Angel Fish (2D shooter)
- Colours (multi-player)
- Richard Burns Rally (racing)
- Interstellar Flames 2 (sky shooter)
- Stuntcar Extreme (arcade racer)
The launch package will include a contract-free SIM card which will allow for gaming ‘right out of the box’, a mains charger, a pair of headphones, a battery and a USB cable.
Carl Freer, Managing Director, Gizmondo Europe, says: "As the newcomers, we've had to play many cards close to our chest, but this is about to change. Over the coming weeks, there will be a series of Gizmondo announcements, as we go to market." He continued, "The Gizmondo is a great product, we're extremely proud of it, and we're equally delighted that the UK will be the first launch platform."
Online retailer Allack.co.uk are taking in Gizmondo orders for £229.95 each.
As a newcomer to the emerging handheld gaming market, it will certainly be interesting to see how the Gizmondo will perform in the UK – even without a remarkable list of games readily available for this platform. RP
