Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. has confirmed its plan to increase the initial launch shipment of the highly anticipated PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system to one million units. Extraordinary consumer response to PSP on a global scale has led to the company asking retailers to stop taking pre-orders and making an upward revision in preparation for its North American launch on March 24. This figure is part of the company's overall three million-unit worldwide shipment estimate by the close of its fiscal year ending March 31.

In New Zealand, Sony Computer Entertainment is yet to decide on a launch period due to the need for adequate stock to be available and the limitations of production resources.

In the US Sony will release a single-SKU configuration called the PSP Value Pack for a suggested retail price of $249.99. In addition to the PSP hardware, the PSP Value Pack contains a package of accessories and entertainment content, including 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, headphones with remote control, battery pack, AC adaptor, soft case, wrist strap and cleaning cloth, game/movie/music video sampler UMD disc including multiple non-interactive game demos, and for the first one million PSP Value Packs shipped, a special UMD video release of the feature film Spider-Man 2 from Sony Pictures Entertainment.

PSP is also host to an unsurpassed line-up of 24 titles available in North America during the launch timeframe. With an additional 23 titles currently in development in North America, PSP will launch with a broad cross section of entertainment genres and support from publishing leaders Activision, Capcom, Eidos Interactive, Electronic Arts, Koei, Konami, Namco, and Sony Online Entertainment.

"Moving into this new year we knew that PSP has the potential to become the consumer must-have product of 2005 and beyond," said Jack Tretton, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Having one million units available on day one demonstrates our commitment to getting a PSP in the hands of as many consumers as possible right out of the gate."

PSP released in Japan on December 12, 2004 and has sold more than 1.18 million units shipped to date.