Sony PlayStation Portable Price Watch

 

You can't reasonably be expected to wait until March for Sony to release the PlayStation Portable here in the States, can you? You'll be gouged no matter what you do, but in order to help you out if you really, really need to have one right now, we've compiled a list of import stores and their current prices for the PlayStation Portable (though we suggest that you at least wait a few weeks for the hysteria to die down and for Sony to release a few more PSPs into the marketplace). We'll update this list daily, and if you have know of any particular legitimate vendors not listed here, please let us know so we can include them.

Current list as of December 24, 2004 - 2:00PM EST

This will be our last update to our daily PSP price watch, we may revisit the prices every few weeks or so until the USA launch.

National Console Support (NCSX)

• PSP $448 (currently sold out, more coming next week)

• PSP Value Pack $513 (currently sold out, more coming this week)

Lik-Sang

• PSP Value Pack $529 (currently sold out)

JapanVideoGames.com

• PSP $550

• PSP Value Pack $600

Kicks Hobby

• PSP $525 (with one game, in stock)

• PSP Value Pack $579 (with one game, currently sold out)

Success-HK

• PSP $580 

Micmic.net

• PSP $420 (-$10)

• PSP Value Pack $520

Play-Asia

• PSP $579 (comes with Ridge Racers)

• PSP Value Pack $629 (comes with Ridge Racers)

eBay

• Lowest Buy It Now price - PSP $400 (-$70)

• Lowest Buy It Now price - PSP Value Pack $445

• 272 Sony PSP system auctions listed (as of December 24, 2:00PM EST, 1 less than yesterday)

Please note that we do not have an affiliate relationship with any of these stores and none of these listings were paid for in anyway. Also, do your homework on the seller before buying on eBay, as some unscrupulous folks are selling a link to import stores for $300+. Remember shipping and any applicable taxes are not included in the prices listed above.

[Moe @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Lets see how many suckers are out there.

[David K @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

WOW. Suddenly, the 3-month wait doesn't sound like a bad idea. I can wait 3 monthes to save 100 bucks per month... Yeah.

[Boris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Whatever happened to the all-white model that was circulating at E3??? Just wondering if that was available at all.

[mettmann @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

suckers ? - nah, we just have too much disposible cash lying around...

[mettmann @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

http://www.micmic.net/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=1058

is asking $398...

[mettmann @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

suckers ? - nah, we just have too much disposible cash lying around...

[Brandon Campbell @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I'll never buy a launch unit no matter how much hype, the company, or the price. Later units always seem to perform better and have less flaws, plus I dont believe the PSP has a killer app yet, all the more reason to wait.

[John Kilpatrick @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

But is it gonna be region locked or not? I bought a GBA on launch in Japan (happened to time a business trip so I'd be there) because I knew it would play US games. I won't buy a PSP if it won't play US games.

[LINES @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

There is no region lock, on games. But movies, yes, there is a region lock. So, buy your PSP from japan and play games from anywehre else... just don't bother playing movies (then again, who is going to be buying umd format movies? never will i)

[David A Mendez @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Cool system but...............hell no is it worth 400 plus dollars. I pre-ordered two psp's for the us launch; my sons will be happy and i'll be happy because I'm getting to for less than the price of one now! :)

[John Kilpatrick @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

How do you know the games aren't locked? I mean Sony did it on all their other systems? I guess we really won't know until US games game out...

[LINES @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

k LISTEN... THERE IS NO REGION LOCK ON GAMES, BUT ON MOVIES, THERE IS... THEY HAVE STATED THIS TIME OVER TIME. INCLUDING ON THIS WEBSITE

Sorry for the caps, it just does not seem to get through to some certain induviduals

[blip @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Uh... This is...madness. $500+ for a barebones system (ok "value" included but anyway). Oh, well luckily I'm a foreign student in Japan this year so I got mine (value pack) *and* two games (Lumines and Ridge Racers) for about $300... I'd find a friend in Japan to do the exports for you instead of getting ripped of like this (and sorry I don't really have the time to). It's one nice system though. The screen is droolworthingly good, although I have found som occurrances of "bleeding" colours in Ridge Racers.

[spoof @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

no one in Japan would have any "insider information" on when the next shipment to the local Yodobashi or Bic Camera might be would they?

sorry for the double posted comment..i thought it may be better to post here rather than the previous blog.

[Yan Chiu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

k LINES, did you not read the article posted on engadget before? it shows a pic of the case of Ridge Racer having a 2 region code on it. So right now, nobody is sure if theres region lock or not.

http://www.techjapan.com/

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

"k LINES, did you not read the article posted on engadget before? it shows a pic of the case of Ridge Racer having a 2 region code on it. So right now, nobody is sure if theres region lock or not."

Well, yes, they are, because Sony themselves have confirmed it. This is from a Gamespot Q&A with the Sony CTO:

"MC: Technically, the PSP does have a region mechanism in it, but, for now we decided to have all region discs work on all systems. This is because people who travel around the world may want to pick up games in different territories. However, each game will only be tested for that specific region and the hardware available in that market, so, technically, not every game may work."

In other words, buy at your own risk. Yes, the system is region-locked. No, the games themselves are not. That could change at any time, on Sony's whim or the whim of any developer.

However, you see Sony's reasonings for not enabling the region lock now, and it doesn't seem to me that that reasoning will change. People are travelling more, not less, and this is a portable gaming system, so if the reason for not enabling the region lock is because people who are travelling will want to buy games, then I see no reason to really worry about it. At worst, Sony's saying certain games may not work because of technical differences between units in each region, but not because of the region lock.

[hobo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

the standard psp package isn't even 300$US.
It's like 199$US. And even the value kit is somewhere aroudn 240$US.

[PSP Fan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Is it some kind of hint that most of the PSP games at ebgames show a release date of 2/25/04??

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/products/deptpage.asp?web_dept=psp

[Lucas @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Why spend even $200 when the games are going to be the same as the PS2? I don't think there will be much difference. Only time will tell...

[Lucas @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Why spend even $200 when the games are going to be the same as the PS2? I don't think there will be much difference. Only time will tell...

[DMB @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I'd kill to be able to write software for this independently. I also think this will be a great ebook reader (if someone releases a decent app that can read books from the memory stick).

[Tamyu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

You know, I`d be willing to buy one for everyone for just retail price + shipping (probably about $40...)
Import stores have to be insane. There is no way that it costs that much to get to them.

[really? @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Tamyu: If you're serious, I would gladly take you up on that offer.

[Touhid @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Same here. Tamyu, if you are willing to do so, I could arrange to pay you through paypal or something for a couple of systems and some games so my friends and I can enjoy some early psp drooling. :)

[IntelOne @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

If Tamyu can do it, then I'm in

[Tamyu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I am serious, *IF* they have PSPs in stock somewhere around me... Which, as of yesterday, they do. I`ll have to go check again, and it would have to be a pay first type of thing (Because I really don`t have tons of money laying around to risk wasting). But I would really not mind. (Especially if someone donated to my page - we have a good reason! Take a look!)
Feel free to mail me about it - [e-mail]

[OrR @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

@DMB: Well, if you want ebooks and write your own stuff on an awesome screen (and play some good games), get a Zodiac... ;)

[Senor Pez @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

PT Barnum may not have actually said it, but it's attributed to him anyway:

"There's a sucker born every minute."

In the long term, what could possibly be the benefit of not having to wait a few months for your PSP? Is two extra months of playing "Ridge Racer" worth paying $400 extra? Is there some hidden feature in the Japanese version of the PSP that will make you some cash?

If people stopped and considered what they were doing, the price gougers on eBay wouldn't have anyplace to sell there wares. But we've built a society based on instant gratification that drives these markets... and their borderline-illegal pricing.

[ronak @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

i looked into shipping from japan to the U.S. to figure out why its so much. it is pretty expensive, but 500$U.S. is wayy to much to cover this cost. i live in japan right now, and make frequent trips back to the states. if anyone wants one, and if i can find one, let me know. dont worry, i wont ask 500$, but a lil extra would be nice, to make it worth the hassle.

[Forecast @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

WOW.. My buddy just brought over his unit that he got from Japan. VERY nice unit... Great graphics. He even made a movie from his video camera and transfered it directly to the psp to play. Only thing I saw that I didn't like was that its easy to get fingerprints everywhere and there is no cover to protect the unit from being scratched. Think he paid around $280.

[Kendall Saville @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I am looking for a PSP value pack and would like someone to get one for me. If someone will get me one and ship it to california. I would really appreciate it. Can you please contact me at [e-mail] with how much you would want. I really dont want to pay to much over the retail price...I will pay thru paypal

[Yan Chiu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

liksang isnt sold out, they have two hundred left.

http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3552

[Gerlando @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

You might want to read a little closer

"200 More Systems in Stock *Sold Out*"

[Jon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Tamyu, your story touched me deeply, i wish Motoki only the best.
I myself was a premature baby and was saved by the mircale of medicine. I'm just fine today, 17 years later, and I hope Motoki will see the same success. Your photos are stunning and reach the depths of my heart.
Keep up the blog, I'll be sure to check Motoki's progress, and I'll be sure to donate every chance i get!
<3 Jon. (half a world away)

[Yan Chiu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Gerlando, nay, you should have read a little closer...when i wrote my message, there were 200 left. It just sold up between that time. If you read the story, it tells you they were selling those 200 at 4pm hk time.

[deus|diabolus @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Yeah, I think I'm going to wait and see if the US release models improve that battery life and the one or two other things I read about that weren't too cool.

[Tamyu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Here goes. I can get new *PSP Value Packs* for whoever wants them, pretty much guaranteed to be sent out this week at the price of 37000 yen + shipping from Japan to you. (That is the current going price in Japan) All games and accessories are available at regular retail price. (Check Sony`s Japanese page for the Japanese retail prices, or ask me. I`ll send you a list.)
It is still expensive, but considerably less than the import shops. I`m not a store or anything. I am doing this for quite a few people already because I am hoping to make a little bit of profit to help pay for my son`s medical care. (Take a look at my page to see what that`s about.) I figured if I`m doing it already, I might as well let everyone know.
If anyone is interested, please contact me at [e-mail].

[murph @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

i'm getting spam emails for "free PSP's" - is this like freeipods.com? is it legit?

i know i'll have to jump through a lot of hoops to get one, but for a PSP, i just might.

[allmodcons @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

DATELINE NYC: PSP Value Pack $800 at J & L on Elizabeth St. downtown in China Town.

[Tamyu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Anyone who pays $800 for a PSP just to have it a little early is insane.
+100 or so over retail is understandable. $800 is just stupid.

[biggy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Hello,
i am mr KOLADZ
i am a business man based in eorope but i am presently in nigeria where i came to invest
and to also get used to the african way of life.
i just opened a new retailing store some few weeks back and i need some new products
that are not yet known and will make good sales here, so i will like to order for some
products from you to my store and i will like you to calculate the cost of shipping via usps global
express 3-5 days delivery.
i will like you to send the cost of shipping soon so that i can place my orders.
i will make all payments with my creditcard.
i will like you to get back to me ASAP.
GET BACK WITH YOUR WEBSITE
Regards.

[jon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

WTF, great place to post your scams, we're all basically technogically retarded and have no idea that people could scam others online!

Koladz.. hehe

[gorkon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

While the PSP is cool and all, do we really need a weekly or daily update on the ridiculous prices idiots with too much money are spending on them??

[The Truth @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Wow... it amazes me how clueless some people are. Furthermore I highly doubt, Mr. Koladz, that there is a demand for $500+ pieces of electronics in Nigeria. Im sure they are more concerned with... oh I dont know.... SURVIVAL?! Furthermore... this website is merely a forum not an online store. And furthermore.... ah forget it.

[Susan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I GOTS A UNIT TOO...WAIT, WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT...?

[Susan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I GOTS A UNIT TOO...WAIT, WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT...?

[pYro @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Umm, I was wondering... Does anyone know if the PSP will come in Canada at the same time it comes into the States, 'cause I live in Canada, and my birthday is coming up real soon (Dec. 30). What I want to do is wait until March until hopefully the PSP comes to Canada so I can get that as my 'gift'. So if anyone has some information, or if the people at Engadget know, please inform me. PLEEEEEEEEEEEEASE.

[iv @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

also, dynamism will have it:
http://www.dynamism.com/sony-psp/

[Doug Harris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Please figure out a way to drop the updates to this item from engadget's main rss feed.

I'm sure diehard PSP fans will bookmark your page (or perhaps use a site devoted to price comparisons like pricewatch). This isn't the news I want from engadget automatically updating in my rss aggregator.

Lest I sound like an ungrateful curmudgeon, I realize that I get far more from Engadget than I pay for. It's a wonderful site. Keep up the good work. (And if it's too much to remove the PSP price watch from the main rss feed, I'll understand and won't cancel my subscription)

[Sean @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

They're free to post what they want, especially considering that the PSP is the hottest gadget to come out in a long while