PSP Slips! Sony Unable to Guarantee Launch Line-up
Portable PlayStation meets expectations - slips out of 2004
Following widespread doubts that developers could meet Sony Computer Entertainment's Q4 2004 launch date, SCE has announced that the hotly anticipated handheld will not be released in the US and Europe as planned.
A new release period of Q1 2005 has been allotted, though Sony is confident that the Japanese launch date will still be met, delivering the console in time for Christmas.
"The reason we pushed it out here is we wanted to be sure there's a reasonable amount of software titles to launch with hardware," said Teresa Weaver, a spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment America.
This news adds absolute credence to our article from last year, when we questioned the feasibility of Sony's global launch plans. Developers have been stating since last summer that the development deadlines were unachievable, with only those close to SCEJ's dev-support program likely to meet launch date.
This also brings Sony's ability to effectively launch a new platform into fresh doubt. The release of the PlayStation 2 was a disaster in all territories, with a lacklustre software offering being compounded by dire hardware shortages and reportedly high failure rates.
Exactly what will be made available on day one in Japan will be interesting to say the least…
This news will be a joyous break for Nintendo's DS push, with the revised western PSP date granting the quirky machine a few months of breathing space, if Nintendo can meet its expected Q4 2004 launch.
Expect detailed updates in the coming days.
A new release period of Q1 2005 has been allotted, though Sony is confident that the Japanese launch date will still be met, delivering the console in time for Christmas.
"The reason we pushed it out here is we wanted to be sure there's a reasonable amount of software titles to launch with hardware," said Teresa Weaver, a spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment America.
This news adds absolute credence to our article from last year, when we questioned the feasibility of Sony's global launch plans. Developers have been stating since last summer that the development deadlines were unachievable, with only those close to SCEJ's dev-support program likely to meet launch date.
This also brings Sony's ability to effectively launch a new platform into fresh doubt. The release of the PlayStation 2 was a disaster in all territories, with a lacklustre software offering being compounded by dire hardware shortages and reportedly high failure rates.
Exactly what will be made available on day one in Japan will be interesting to say the least…
This news will be a joyous break for Nintendo's DS push, with the revised western PSP date granting the quirky machine a few months of breathing space, if Nintendo can meet its expected Q4 2004 launch.
Expect detailed updates in the coming days.
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Comments
almondVanHelsing 26 Feb 2004 13:51
1/4
Is it good news for Nintento? They can try to sell their dual-screen technology handheld thingamajig, but won't it just do a Dreamcast and not sell while people wait for the PSP?
And Playstation 2 launch wasn't a disaster, I got one first day and a couple of good games. Plus I could play all my old PS1 games in highres and quick load times!
And Playstation 2 launch wasn't a disaster, I got one first day and a couple of good games. Plus I could play all my old PS1 games in highres and quick load times!
dyne 26 Feb 2004 15:31
2/4
almondVanHelsing wrote:
>And Playstation 2 launch wasn't a disaster, I got
>one first day and a couple of good games. Plus I
>could play all my old PS1 games in highres and
>quick load times!
The only thing is, PS2 didn't run the games in a higher res, it simply made textures smoother. And the loading times were barely improved.
But you're right, the PS2 launch really a disaster. Hardware shortages only fuel speculation that console is popular, and the games weren't too bad.
>And Playstation 2 launch wasn't a disaster, I got
>one first day and a couple of good games. Plus I
>could play all my old PS1 games in highres and
>quick load times!
The only thing is, PS2 didn't run the games in a higher res, it simply made textures smoother. And the loading times were barely improved.
But you're right, the PS2 launch really a disaster. Hardware shortages only fuel speculation that console is popular, and the games weren't too bad.
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SPInGSPOnG 26 Feb 2004 16:53
3/4
dyne wrote:
Only a kompleet nobwit would call the PS2 launch a disaster. It (effectively) sold out and went on to be the most successfull console in the history of the universe. Geez, some of the whingers would do well to have that kind of disaster
Only a kompleet nobwit would call the PS2 launch a disaster. It (effectively) sold out and went on to be the most successfull console in the history of the universe. Geez, some of the whingers would do well to have that kind of disaster
bbam 28 Feb 2004 15:52
4/4
to be the most successfull console in the history
of the universe.
Ok then well pls pls pls learn something the best console in the history of gaming is the NES cos it did rock that damn much. And on another note if it sold out that gives one of 2 assumpions (sp?) anyway it either had a load of units and shifted the all OR it dident have close to enought and many people that wanted one just couldent get one. Anyway it doesent bother me much because i was all for the DC because it was that good :P. And the only games that i bought the ps2 for were the FF serise (sp?) they have very few ps2 only games after that. I also have a bit of a hatred for sony so im gonna go with the Nintendo Handheld :D