The PSP will be released in both Australia and New Zealand in a single version 'value' package on September 1st 2005, at a price of AU$429.95 (€258) and NZ$469.95 (€282) respectivley.
The European launch date is also set at September 1st 2005, also available in a single version Value Pack, priced at €249 (£179) from the European press release. [Ed - €249 is exactly £169 under current exchange rates so one of these may be a typo on sony's behalf. £179 = AU$437.01 and £169 = AU$412.62]
If you think that price is high for a handheld, it is - even for the PSP. This price is signifigantly higher then both the USA and Japan launch prices. The US 'value pack' price of US$250 translates to AU$320 at current exchange rates. Even worse, the Japanese 'value pack' price of 19,800 Yen translates to just AU$239. So to get a PSP, Aussies and Kiwis have to pay the equivalent of AU$110 more then USA gamers did, and almost double what Japanese PSP buyers did.
A spokesperson for Sony in the UK has defended the increased price claiming that the US price was subject to local sales tax and that VAT in the UK was higher.
(The PSP's market rival, the Nintendo DS, had a launch price of AU$199.95, and was almost exactly the same price in all territories)
Hopefully PAL territories will get PSPs that use the higher quality Sharp-made screens of the Japanese models, rather then the dead pixel prone Samsung screens of the US models.
The single available package is the same as the US 'value pack' and includes the PSP console, a pouch, a 32Mb memory stick, headphones, AC adapter, wrist strap, and a demo disc with sample game demos, movies and music.
Additionally for early purchasers, a copy of the film Spider-Man 2 in PSP format will be available via redemption if the user registers their PSP at a new site set up by Sony - www.yourpsp.com.au (or www.yourpsp.co.nz for NZ and www.yourpsp.com for EU).
"PlayStation Portable will revolutionise portable entertainment, giving users the freedom to play full 3D games, watch movies, listen to music and connect wirelessly on their terms, wherever and whenever they wish to do so," said David Reeves, President of SCEE. "More than ever, today's consumer demands access to their personal entertainment outside the home, without compromising quality. With more than 100 PlayStation Portable game titles currently in development worldwide, and the ability to download and listen to music, and view feature films with breathtaking screen quality, PlayStation Portable lets users control their entertainment options, all in a single package."
Source: www.yourpsp.com
Australian Press release:
http://www.yourpsp.com/html/en_AU_press_release.pdf
European Press release:
http://www.yourpsp.com/html/en_GB_press_release.pdf
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