Sony may stagger out the regional launches of the next-generation PlayStation portable game system, the “NGP,” due to production disruptions following the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11. According to Jack Tretton, president of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, the NGP may be launched in only one region in time for the critical holiday season. Tretton didn’t clarify whether the U.S., Japan, or Europe would see the device first.
“Earthquake and tsunami damage sustained in the 9-magnitude temblor on March 11 has forced Sony to shut down several factories in Northern Japan for repair. A lack of parts from component suppliers also is delaying production at locations not directly affected by the disaster, Tretton said.”
The possibility of a limited launch later of the NGP this year may also represent a setback for Sony against its Japanese rival Nintendo, who just launched its 3DS device in March. Nintendo stated it had sold a record number of the glasses-free 3-D game systems on the first day of availability in the U.S.
[Source: Bloomberg]
