PSP Launch Delayed In South Korea

Sony officials have admitted that they have had to delay of the South Korean launch of the PSP console, due to production shortages and the looming U.S. release of the keenly awaited Sony portable gaming device. The company had been planning to launch the console in South Korea in March, at the same time as North America. Officials have now admitted that potential stock shortages make this impossible, and the launch could be delayed by up to two months. Sony Computer Entertainment Korea's official statement reads: "We are deeply sorry about the delay for South Korean gamers. Due to a looming shortage in hardware, sales of PSP game consoles in South Korea will be possible after the device goes on sale in the U.S." Perhaps partly due to this implied prioritization of newly manufactured PSP hardware, Sony officials are not reporting any problems with the proposed North American launch on March 24th for $249.99, for which they continue to promise one million units. The compulsory U.S. PSP bundle includes a 32MB memory stick, AC adaptor, and a UMD optical disc copy of the movie Spider-Man 2 in the first million units shipped, and it is uncertain whether the Korean bundle will be similar, or, as with the Japanese launch, whether a cheaper 'barebones' PSP hardware package will also be available. A European launch date for the PSP is still unconfirmed, although analysts expect that it will not occur in the first half of 2005, and will likely be delayed until after the North American and Asian releases are complete.