PSP set to miss Japanese 2004 slot? Sony report opens the door for delay...
Financial report suggests possible portable dream slip.
Following the publication of Sony’s financial report, it has been suggested that the Portable PlayStation (PSP) might miss its planned pre-Christmas 2004 release date, causing widespread interest in the wording of two separate report papers.
The more recent of the reports reads, “...Sony is working to develop a new market through its planned introduction, in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005, of PlayStation Portable (“PSP”), a new handheld game system on which a variety of content can be enjoyed.”
Although this would, on the surface still indicate a 2004 release, the mention of other products, in this instance the PS2/TIVO lovechild PSX, come complete with regionalised, specific release timeframes: “PSX is slated to go on sale in Japan late in 2003 and in Europe and the U.S. in 2004. Inside PSX is technology from the Game and Electronics segments.”
However, in the first version of the report filed, Sony seems confident of meeting its initial target: “…SCEI plans to introduce a new, all-in-one portable entertainment platform, PSP, which utilizes a newly developed small optical disc, scheduling a release for the third quarter ending December 31, 2004. The foundation of this new platform is the Universal Media Disc (UMD), which is comprised…”
Importantly, it is the most recently published version that makes the “…planned introduction, in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005, of PlayStation Portable...” reference, believed by some analysts to highlight something of a climbdown. Given that the report is filed to the SEC, and therefore must adhere to the strict clarity of language guidelines the commission enforces, the wording used regarding the PSP cannot be overlooked.
We contacted Sony today for clarification but were unable to get comment at time of press. We will keep pressing them for clarification, and bring you updates as appropriate.
Of course, if the PSP slip proves true, Nintendo will be in the clear, with a decent run at an open marketplace for several months, though historically this has not bothered Sony. As you will remember SCE proved itself a master of the “wait and see” game as pioneered on the run up to the launch of the PlayStation 2.
The more recent of the reports reads, “...Sony is working to develop a new market through its planned introduction, in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005, of PlayStation Portable (“PSP”), a new handheld game system on which a variety of content can be enjoyed.”
Although this would, on the surface still indicate a 2004 release, the mention of other products, in this instance the PS2/TIVO lovechild PSX, come complete with regionalised, specific release timeframes: “PSX is slated to go on sale in Japan late in 2003 and in Europe and the U.S. in 2004. Inside PSX is technology from the Game and Electronics segments.”
However, in the first version of the report filed, Sony seems confident of meeting its initial target: “…SCEI plans to introduce a new, all-in-one portable entertainment platform, PSP, which utilizes a newly developed small optical disc, scheduling a release for the third quarter ending December 31, 2004. The foundation of this new platform is the Universal Media Disc (UMD), which is comprised…”
Importantly, it is the most recently published version that makes the “…planned introduction, in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005, of PlayStation Portable...” reference, believed by some analysts to highlight something of a climbdown. Given that the report is filed to the SEC, and therefore must adhere to the strict clarity of language guidelines the commission enforces, the wording used regarding the PSP cannot be overlooked.
We contacted Sony today for clarification but were unable to get comment at time of press. We will keep pressing them for clarification, and bring you updates as appropriate.
Of course, if the PSP slip proves true, Nintendo will be in the clear, with a decent run at an open marketplace for several months, though historically this has not bothered Sony. As you will remember SCE proved itself a master of the “wait and see” game as pioneered on the run up to the launch of the PlayStation 2.
Companies:
SCEI
Read More Like This
Comments
animegt 30 Jun 2004 12:40
1/10
Yay ! - ha ha, good news for us Nintendo fans. Like somebody here said: "The Nintendo DS is here to take sales from the PSP, and the GBA 2 is goin to come and crush whats rest of it"
schnide 30 Jun 2004 13:10
2/10
animegt wrote:
>Yay ! - ha ha, good news for us Nintendo fans.
>Like somebody here said: "The Nintendo DS is
>here to take sales from the PSP, and the GBA 2 is
>goin to come and crush whats rest of it"
Oh no! There's been a speculation explosion based on rumour and conjecture against the PSP, who on earth can save us by assuming how amazing Nintendo's latest product will be..?
But look! In the air! It's..
Fanboy!!!!
>Yay ! - ha ha, good news for us Nintendo fans.
>Like somebody here said: "The Nintendo DS is
>here to take sales from the PSP, and the GBA 2 is
>goin to come and crush whats rest of it"
Oh no! There's been a speculation explosion based on rumour and conjecture against the PSP, who on earth can save us by assuming how amazing Nintendo's latest product will be..?
But look! In the air! It's..
Fanboy!!!!
more comments below our sponsor's message
schnide 30 Jun 2004 13:12
3/10
animegt wrote:
>Yay ! - ha ha, good news for us Nintendo fans.
>Like somebody here said: "The Nintendo DS is
>here to take sales from the PSP, and the GBA 2 is
>goin to come and crush whats rest of it"
Oh no! There's been a speculation explosion based on rumour and conjecture against the PSP, who on earth can save us by assuming how amazing Nintendo's latest product will be..?
But look! In the air! It's..
Fanboy!!!!
>Yay ! - ha ha, good news for us Nintendo fans.
>Like somebody here said: "The Nintendo DS is
>here to take sales from the PSP, and the GBA 2 is
>goin to come and crush whats rest of it"
Oh no! There's been a speculation explosion based on rumour and conjecture against the PSP, who on earth can save us by assuming how amazing Nintendo's latest product will be..?
But look! In the air! It's..
Fanboy!!!!
Deviluck 30 Jun 2004 18:02
4/10
rumour has it that the dvd release will come with ff7 on a ps2 disc.
Joji 30 Jun 2004 18:17
5/10
Great, so now PSP is gonna be late in japan. Though this may put it in line with the EU/U.K launch it also means that our euro release date could also be put back, because it's doubtful Sony would have enough stock to spread across japan, eurozone and america, all at the same time.
We could see PSP reaching us probably not til june 2005 or later.
This could easily back fire on Sony if they underestimate Nintendo, which is what seems to be happening. A lot can happen in a few months in this industry. Perhaps this move has something to do with GBA2, maybe Sony would rather worry about that than DS now. Also if this FFAC exclusive bull goes ahead with PSP we'll be waiting ages more for that to grace our dvd players. Not good.
There's still now mention from Sony on the prices, and these will be the real factors in many peoples minds, especially kids.
We could see PSP reaching us probably not til june 2005 or later.
This could easily back fire on Sony if they underestimate Nintendo, which is what seems to be happening. A lot can happen in a few months in this industry. Perhaps this move has something to do with GBA2, maybe Sony would rather worry about that than DS now. Also if this FFAC exclusive bull goes ahead with PSP we'll be waiting ages more for that to grace our dvd players. Not good.
There's still now mention from Sony on the prices, and these will be the real factors in many peoples minds, especially kids.
almondVanHelsing 30 Jun 2004 20:50
6/10
And when DS is also late, you will praise Nintendo for not releasing it untill it is ready?
Fanboy strikes!!
Fanboy strikes!!
Joji 1 Jul 2004 00:03
7/10
I think it's a little harsh waving that fanboy flag everytime someone expresses an opinion. After all it is possible to have you faves and still make a point. I have my faves, but I also intend to buy all machines to get the most and best gaming experiences.
A delay from Nintendo for DS would be understood because they also make GAMES, whereas Sony are really a HARDWARE company. Think about that for a sec before waving your fanboy flag. Perhaps Sony need to sort out more widescreen or something, but Nintendo could also meet this problem since DS uses two, so that would make sense. I could also be wrong but I'll feel no shame in it if I am.
A delay from Nintendo for DS would be understood because they also make GAMES, whereas Sony are really a HARDWARE company. Think about that for a sec before waving your fanboy flag. Perhaps Sony need to sort out more widescreen or something, but Nintendo could also meet this problem since DS uses two, so that would make sense. I could also be wrong but I'll feel no shame in it if I am.
almondVanHelsing 1 Jul 2004 12:26
8/10
Joji wrote:
>I think it's a little harsh waving that fanboy
>flag everytime someone expresses an opinion.
>After all it is possible to have you faves and
>still make a point. I have my faves, but I also
>intend to buy all machines to get the most and
>best gaming experiences.
Joji, my remark was not aimed at you, but the forum makes it look so. I was aiming at animegt and his Nintendo fanboy quote.
I must use "quote original" more often! :-)
>I think it's a little harsh waving that fanboy
>flag everytime someone expresses an opinion.
>After all it is possible to have you faves and
>still make a point. I have my faves, but I also
>intend to buy all machines to get the most and
>best gaming experiences.
Joji, my remark was not aimed at you, but the forum makes it look so. I was aiming at animegt and his Nintendo fanboy quote.
I must use "quote original" more often! :-)
Joji 1 Jul 2004 14:43
9/10
I know that Almond, I'm just sitting on the fence and trying to keep the peace. We don't need these forums turning into the home of hate and ridicule. It's ok to have your opinion, but kind of harsh to label him fanboy if you don't know him personally, or what he owns or plays.
Our opinions may sometimes devide us, but our passion for games will unite us. All I'm saying is try keep it real and to the point. If you don't agree, just agree to disagree and move on.
Our opinions may sometimes devide us, but our passion for games will unite us. All I'm saying is try keep it real and to the point. If you don't agree, just agree to disagree and move on.
almondVanHelsing 1 Jul 2004 17:49
10/10
Joji wrote:
>I know that Almond, I'm just sitting on the fence
>and trying to keep the peace. We don't need these
>forums turning into the home of hate and
>ridicule. It's ok to have your opinion, but kind
>of harsh to label him fanboy if you don't know
>him personally, or what he owns or plays.
He calls himself "Nintendo fan" and quotes flamable text about PSP, DS & GBA2, perhaps I jumped off the mark, but he comes across as a "Ninty rulez, Sony Sux" type. If I have offended Mr animegt, then I apologise, but his style is what would be called "troll" on usenet in the past.
>Our
>opinions may sometimes devide us, but our passion
>for games will unite us. All I'm saying is try
>keep it real and to the point. If you don't
>agree, just agree to disagree and move on.
I agree, passion for games is good, but all companies in the games market contribute to the standing of the industry, even EA keep people interested in games with their FIFA re-runs. These people may try something new one day, but without EA and FIFA they won't ever.
I admit I write as if I love Sony and Hate Nintendo sometimes, especially with PSP vs DS debates. This is partly due to my bemusement with the hype around the DS at the moment. All I want is some answers as to why the DS will revolutionise gaming as we know it. The fact that all I have had in reply so far is more Nintendo party line, "wait and see" and "PSP sux" comments does not make me feel any better.
I can see how the DS would inspire creative developers to make interesting games, but I don't think there are that many willing to take a risk these days. This is why so many sequals are in the charts.
Just to set the record straight, I have a GBA, which I play on the train most days, I have a Cube which I also play on a lot. I just also happen to have a PS2 which I play on more often. I will probably get a PSP, I will try to play a DS before I make the decision.
Remember, all we all want is some entertainment at the end of the day, some people like Sony, some people like Nintendo, some people, I hope such as myself, just like games.
If we all agree to not inflame each other we will get along better, I thought animegt was inflaming to Sony crowd, so I thought to take him down a peg, no malice intended, all in fun.
>I know that Almond, I'm just sitting on the fence
>and trying to keep the peace. We don't need these
>forums turning into the home of hate and
>ridicule. It's ok to have your opinion, but kind
>of harsh to label him fanboy if you don't know
>him personally, or what he owns or plays.
He calls himself "Nintendo fan" and quotes flamable text about PSP, DS & GBA2, perhaps I jumped off the mark, but he comes across as a "Ninty rulez, Sony Sux" type. If I have offended Mr animegt, then I apologise, but his style is what would be called "troll" on usenet in the past.
>Our
>opinions may sometimes devide us, but our passion
>for games will unite us. All I'm saying is try
>keep it real and to the point. If you don't
>agree, just agree to disagree and move on.
I agree, passion for games is good, but all companies in the games market contribute to the standing of the industry, even EA keep people interested in games with their FIFA re-runs. These people may try something new one day, but without EA and FIFA they won't ever.
I admit I write as if I love Sony and Hate Nintendo sometimes, especially with PSP vs DS debates. This is partly due to my bemusement with the hype around the DS at the moment. All I want is some answers as to why the DS will revolutionise gaming as we know it. The fact that all I have had in reply so far is more Nintendo party line, "wait and see" and "PSP sux" comments does not make me feel any better.
I can see how the DS would inspire creative developers to make interesting games, but I don't think there are that many willing to take a risk these days. This is why so many sequals are in the charts.
Just to set the record straight, I have a GBA, which I play on the train most days, I have a Cube which I also play on a lot. I just also happen to have a PS2 which I play on more often. I will probably get a PSP, I will try to play a DS before I make the decision.
Remember, all we all want is some entertainment at the end of the day, some people like Sony, some people like Nintendo, some people, I hope such as myself, just like games.
If we all agree to not inflame each other we will get along better, I thought animegt was inflaming to Sony crowd, so I thought to take him down a peg, no malice intended, all in fun.