Gizmondo to launch in US this summer

Just days after Gizmondo launched in continental Europe, Tiger Telematics has confirmed that the handheld will go on sale in North America this summer, with a release planned for August 11.

Tiger is currently showing off the console at E3, and says it has met with an enthusiastic response from potential business partners.

"The sales meetings being conducted at the show have been tremendously productive and there is a genuine excitement regarding the product from everyone we've met with," said global sales VP Mike Morgan.

"We will be announcing our retail and distribution partners through the trade media over the next few weeks."

Tiger Telematics chairman Carl Freer added: "The partnerships we've developed with major games publishers, married with internally developed content, satellite navigation products and Smart Adds, will present a unique portfolio that will guarantee the Gizmondo will stand out when we launch in the US on 11th August.

"The North American market is hugely important and we will make every necessary resource available to ensure a successful launch."

The Gizmondo launched in France, Spain, Italy, Germany and the Nordic territories on May 19, two months after hitting UK stores. It's described as a "multi-entertainment handheld" which features onboard GPS and enables users to watch movies, listen to music, take photos and send messages as well as play games. A total of 89 games are lined up to launch for the platform by the end of this year.