PSP out in August??

[OB1]

According to Gaming-Age:

Following the PSP showing at the recent GDC, Sony has announced that the PSP's release is being pushed up. PSP will now launch in Japan around late July, with a North American and European launch occuring in early August.
This news, however shocking, is not unexpected. The PSP was first shown to the public last week during the Game Developer's Conference. Apperantly, the showing was so impressive that several publishers jumped on the PSP bandwagon immediately.

According to our sources, the PSP is similar to the PS2 in terms of programming, so expect a good number of PS2 titles to be either moved or ported to the PSP around launch. It is said that users will be able to download their PS2 saved game to the PSP for use in the PSP version of the title, and vice versa.

Due to this overwhelming support, Sony has decided that it can successfully launch the PSP in August with a set of quality launch titles.

Death Jr., a platformer in the veign of Crash Bandicoot, will be Sony's big launch title. Additionally, EA Sports has confirmed to be packaging a PSP version of Madden 2005 with the PS2 version in a promotional effort. Users will be able to download their PS2 saved game to the PSP for use in the PSP version of the title, and vice versa. Rockstar is likely planning a Grand Theft Auto title, but when asked, a company representative suggestively replied, "wait for E3." There are reports of Koei developing a new Dynasty Warriors game for the portable, as well, though Koei representives had not returned our calls as of press time.

Stay tuned for the latest information on the PSP's impending release. Expect more specific details at next month's E3.




-- Paul Bryant

Bad news for Nintendo if it's true.