PSP U.S. Launch Details Revealed!

[HLOCKE]

Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced the North American launch date and pricing structure for its anticipated PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld. The device, which launched in Japan last year, is set to debut in the US and Canada on March 24 for suggested retail prices of $249 USD and $299.99 CND respectively.


Unlike the Japanese launch, which offered a base PSP package for approximately $185 USD, North American buyers will only be able to get one bundle, the pricier PSP Value Pack. The good news is that the Pack comes standard with a good number of extras that help make the purchase worthwhile, including a 32MB Memory Stick Duo, headphones with remote control, battery pack, AC adaptor, soft case, and cleaning cloth. In addition, the bundle boasts a movie/music/game sampler UMD disc with non-interactive demos. On top of everything else, the first one million people to purchase a PSP in the US will receive a bonus UMD featuring the full feature film Spider-Man 2.
"PSP will evolve and elevate portable entertainment, giving users the freedom to play full 3D games, watch movies, listen to music and connect wirelessly on their terms, their time and their place," said Kaz Hirai, president and chief executive officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "More than ever, today's consumer demands access to entertainment outside the home without compromising quality. With more than 100 PSP game titles currently in development worldwide, and the ability to download and listen to digital music and view feature films with breathtaking screen quality, PSP lets users control their entertainment options, all in one package."

Sony also announced the preliminary list of launch titles, to be released simultaneously with the handheld:


Ape Escape: On the Loose, Sony Computer Entertainment America
ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails, Sony Computer Entertainment America
Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower, Capcom
Dynasty Warriors, KOEI
FIFA 2005, Electronic Arts
Gretzky NHL, Sony Computer Entertainment America
Lumines, Ubisoft
Metal Gear Acid, Konami
MLB, Sony Computer Entertainment America
MVP Baseball, Electronic Arts
NBA, Sony Computer Entertainment America
NBA Street Showdown, Electronic Arts
Need for Speed Rivals, Electronic Arts
NFL Street 2 Unleashed, Electronic Arts
Rengoku: Tower of Purgatory, Konami
Ridge Racer, Namco
Smartbomb, Eidos Interactive
Spider-Man 2, Activision
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR, Electronic Arts
Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Remix, Activision
Twisted Metal: Head On, Sony Computer Entertainment America
Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade, Sony Online Entertainment
Wipeout Pure, Sony Computer Entertainment America
World Tour Soccer, Sony Computer Entertainment America
Sony said it would manufacture one million PSP units for sale in the North American market by the end of its fiscal year on March 31.

Source: ign.com

*Surprising news, I really was expecting the PSP to get the same price point here than it did from Japan. I'm somewhat dissapointed as I was planning on getting one, but now...meh. $250.00 is alot for a handheld, that's more than any current console, more than the Gamecube when it launched, and could quite possibally be as expensive as Xbox 2. I'm interested to see how this plays out in the market.

[Majin Gogeta]

$299.99 for the PSP and $150 for the PS2... wow that's one big ripoff!... well anyways, I can't wait for the launch of the PSP! The library of games looks good so far.

[shadow]

The said:

*Surprising news, I really was expecting the PSP to get the same price point here than it did from Japan. I'm somewhat dissapointed as I was planning on getting one, but now...meh. $250.00 is alot for a handheld, that's more than any current console, more than the Gamecube when it launched, and could quite possibally be as expensive as Xbox 2. I'm interested to see how this plays out in the market.

You know what, for once its the US getting ripped off and not Europe. PSP did get the same price point in the US as it did in Japan. Sony are working price points by exchange rates. The US has a very poor exchange rate at the moment so thats why you are getting ripped off.
If you were to buy a PSP from Japan it would cost you 20,790 Yen ($200, £105 or 150 Euro).
Its all down to exchange rate you see. So for once Europe will be getting one hell of a deal. The PSP should cost nearly the same price as an Xbox or PS2 in Europe but we will have to wait a bit longer.

[FoxExecutive]

I could care less anyway. ;D