PSP and DS square-up in Europe

News - Launch dates coincide?

Word from industry trade mag MCV informs us of the tantalising prospect of the Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP launching during the same week in Europe, creating a fascinating face-off which will no doubt be a compelling tussle for the neutral onlooker. Apparently, both major firms have the week ending Friday, March the 18th, 2005 in their diaries for new handheld launches, with the proceeding Easter weekend being a traditionally busy spell in the games industry.

No official information is available concerning this conjecture, with pricing also unknown at this juncture, reports suggesting the DS at somewhere between 149-199 Euros, whilst the PSP could be about 300-375 Euros. Of course, if this launch information proves correct then the week in question could be crucial for both devices - despite claims that they are not direct competitors - and if such a situation occurs then marketing, pricing and every other nuance of the debut will be of extra importance.

More soon.