The latest reports emerging today suggest that the current launch time-scale of the handheld hangs very much in the balance, with CEO telling investors he doesn't believe the console will see the light of day until Q2 2005 in North America. A launch as late as June next year could do the PSP's prospects serious harm in the face of determined opposition from Nintendo, and even a Christmas-this-year launch in now appears to be in doubt, according to analyst reports.

Final confirmation of the Japanese launch and pricing are expected next month at the Tokyo Games Show, where the PSP will be playable for the first time publicly - though Sony have insisted up to this point that a 2004 launch is still on course. Current best guesses place the pricing around the $250-350 level - though as high as $500 has been mooted previously.

We await further details on the enigmatic new device at next month's show in Tokyo. I may even pop along for a wee play myself.

By Luke Guttridge