Sony PSP European Launch Date - September 1st 2005

PlayStation fans are waking up in Europe today to news that SCE Europe has finally set a launch date for the PlayStation Portable. The system will sell in a similar Value Pack package as was released in North America and in Japan, and will retail for 249 Euros.

Included with the European PSP Value Pack will be the PSP system and battery pack, a protective pouch, a 32MB Memory Stick Duo unit, earbud headphones with a remote control, an AC Adaptor, a wrist strap, a cleaning cloth, and a video/music/game sampler UMD, with non-interactive demos of several games.
IGN

The Register says, "The delay, though disappointing, will allow Sony to push the PSP at a time when consumers are generally more likely to buy electronics kit than they are during the summer. And with a firm release date in place, Sony is less likely to lose to rival console vendors those buyers who might otherwise simply become fed up of waiting. Hanging on is easier if you know how long you’ll have to wait."

The INQ says, "the hand-held gaming unit will cost 249 euros (£179). That’s fifty quid dearer than in the US. A spokesman for the company told the BBC: "This is not a case of rip off Britain." No matter how much it looks like it."