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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:
Source: IGN
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
Source: IGN