Play.com Suspends PSP Imports News
Chris Leyton
11/05/2005
SCEE attempts to get a handle on spiralling import market as European gamers refuse to wait...
One of the largest UK online retailers, Play.com, has recently confirmed its intention to stop import PSP sales pending a discussion with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE).
Naturally with a European launch impending, SCEE have been quick to quell imports from both North America and Japan, however the situation has been described as âplugging fingers in a sinking shipâ as those clamouring for Sonyâs new handheld turn to the import scene to avoid the wait until September.
Despite Play.com actively working alongside SCEE, the larger picture reveals a significant number of retailers providing the means for long-waiting European gamers to get their hands on the region-free PSP. The simple fact remains that when faced with such a wait many people will look for an alternative; the PSP was released in Japan shortly before Christmas 2004, while American gamers have now had the system for close to two months. There can be no doubt that launching a new format is a notoriously hard trick to get right, particularly in the culturally diverse region of Europe, but does SCEE seriously expect gamers to wait the best part of 9 months before getting their hands on one?
Simon Perrée, from Play.com, said: "We have decided to suspend the sale of US PSP's on Play.com until we have had chance to discuss the UK import situation with SCEE and see what plans they have for the launch of the European version."
"The internet makes the games market a global industry, we have been aware for some time that many other e-tailers are supplying US PSP consoles and software to UK consumers. We fully support the UK software industry, and have taken this decision to demonstrate our position, and hope that other e-tailers follow suit" added Mr Perrée.
At the time of press no comment was forthcoming from SCEE, however we expect further information on the situation soon...