[NGP] NGP Launch Likely Delayed

[NGP] NGP Launch Likely Delayed
Obviously the horrific earthquake/tsunami disaster that befell Japan in March has had far more tragic effects than its impact on the video games industry, but already the disaster has caused delays (MotorStorm Apocalypse), cancellations (Disaster Report 4), server interruptions (Final Fantasy XIV), and various other complications for the industry.

Add the impending launch of Sony's new handheld, codenamed the NGP, to the list. President of Sony Computer Entertainment America Jack Tretton has stated that due to production complications resulting from the quake, the NGP will likely reach only one region in time for the holidays this year. Now Sony has never officially announced a release date for the device, however they had previously indicated their intention to launch in more than one territory for the holidays, if not worldwide. Tretton did not specify which region may be the first to receive the NGP.

The delay could have consequences in the handheld war with Nintendo's recently-launched 3DS, as analyst Edward Woo of Wedbush Securities states: "It raises the bar on the competitive issues that Sony is going to have to hurdle. As it is now, it’s already going to be almost eight months behind Nintendo, and a delay could push that to a year.”

Written by: Mike Glubish

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