UPDATE 3/2
Ecost for $260
Link to Audio Cubes
I have been searching PSP import prices and this seems to be the best. Price is for basic package. They also have the Value Pack
Reports state that the import should be ok for playing us (region 1) games. It seems specifically that it has the capacity to be region locked but currently sony is not enabeling it. The basic pack retails for about $190 in japan since its 12/12/2004 release. North American release day is believed to be March 29, retail price expected to be $200 or so for basic. I think i will personally wait it out as there is a good chance for first generation bugs getting worked out before NA release (sonys first gen ps and ps2 had problems). Also there are some reports of a slight button sticking problem, dead pixels, dust / air bubbles behind screen and issues with UMD drives not staying closed or not closing though these reports are rare.
UPDATE (2-4-5):
It seems Sony has finally released the US pricepoint and release date. It will be available on March 24 at a cost of $249.99. This will be the bundled value pack including some accessories, a small memory card, and the first million will have a free copy of the Spiderman 2 movie on UMD. Aparently there will be a basic package available sometime after launch.
Story Link
Ecost for $260
Link to Audio Cubes
I have been searching PSP import prices and this seems to be the best. Price is for basic package. They also have the Value Pack
Reports state that the import should be ok for playing us (region 1) games. It seems specifically that it has the capacity to be region locked but currently sony is not enabeling it. The basic pack retails for about $190 in japan since its 12/12/2004 release. North American release day is believed to be March 29, retail price expected to be $200 or so for basic. I think i will personally wait it out as there is a good chance for first generation bugs getting worked out before NA release (sonys first gen ps and ps2 had problems). Also there are some reports of a slight button sticking problem, dead pixels, dust / air bubbles behind screen and issues with UMD drives not staying closed or not closing though these reports are rare.
UPDATE (2-4-5):
It seems Sony has finally released the US pricepoint and release date. It will be available on March 24 at a cost of $249.99. This will be the bundled value pack including some accessories, a small memory card, and the first million will have a free copy of the Spiderman 2 movie on UMD. Aparently there will be a basic package available sometime after launch.
Story Link