Gizmondo confirms US launch date of October 22

Tiger Telematics has confirmed that the Gizmondo will go on sale in US stores on October 22, dismissing rumours that the launch could be put back once again.

"Contrary to rumours in the marketplace we are not delaying the scheduled USA launch," said Gizmondo chairman Carl Freer.

"We are committed to the October 22 release date, and the product will be available in all 50 states well in advance of the Christmas retail season."

The Gizmondo was originally down for a Q1 2005 release, and was later set to launch on August 11. The date slipped to October just a week before, with the company blaming delays to two key titles and the fact that August is traditionally a slow month for retail.

Gizmondo has also announced that online entertainment retailer Play.com will be stocking the handheld following the launch of the new Satellite Navigation package. In addition, electronics chain Maplin will carry the Gizmondo on its website and in 75 stores across the UK. Play.com and Maplin join a list of Gizmondo retailers which already includes Argos, Comet, HMV and Amazon.

And finally, Tiger Telematics CEO Michael Carrender has hinted that there could be a new business deal on the cards for the company. "Tiger Telematics is strategically well positioned in a rapidly growing mobile gaming industry," he said in a statement.

"This has generated discussions that may or may not lead to a substantial corporate action or strategic opportunity."

It's not yet known what kind of deal Carrender could be hinting at, or which other companies might be involved - there have been no reports of any potential mergers or acquisitions involving Gizmondo of late.