andrew
March 22nd, 2005, 09:25
Launch date uncertainty results in thriving PSP grey market
Retail sources are today suggesting that PSP may not reach the UK until Christmas.
Following the news last week that PSP will not be released over here "for several months," many insiders pointed towards a summer launch for the Sony handheld.
Indeed, a July release was apparently bandied about by Sony at one point but this, it seems, will clash with PSP's launch in South Korea. And, as Sony never releases hardware in more than one territory at a time, in order to avoid hardware shortages, it seems a post-July outing for the machine is assured.
At this point, a firm release date for the machine is nothing more than speculative. But, given that July is apparently out of the question, retailers we spoke to were under the impression that Sony would further delay the UK launch until Christmas in order to cash in on what is by far the most lucrative period for new hardware and software.
At present, Sony is remaining tight-lipped on the subject but as soon as we get official word from the company on PSP's UK release we'll let you know.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty about when Europe will finally see PSP has resulted in a thriving grey market for imported machines. Shops on London's Tottenham Court Road are currently selling imported PSPs for around £300 - three times the Japanese price of 19,800 yen (£99).
Retail sources are today suggesting that PSP may not reach the UK until Christmas.
Following the news last week that PSP will not be released over here "for several months," many insiders pointed towards a summer launch for the Sony handheld.
Indeed, a July release was apparently bandied about by Sony at one point but this, it seems, will clash with PSP's launch in South Korea. And, as Sony never releases hardware in more than one territory at a time, in order to avoid hardware shortages, it seems a post-July outing for the machine is assured.
At this point, a firm release date for the machine is nothing more than speculative. But, given that July is apparently out of the question, retailers we spoke to were under the impression that Sony would further delay the UK launch until Christmas in order to cash in on what is by far the most lucrative period for new hardware and software.
At present, Sony is remaining tight-lipped on the subject but as soon as we get official word from the company on PSP's UK release we'll let you know.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty about when Europe will finally see PSP has resulted in a thriving grey market for imported machines. Shops on London's Tottenham Court Road are currently selling imported PSPs for around £300 - three times the Japanese price of 19,800 yen (£99).