Sony to boost Korean PSP targets after strong launch

Sales targets for Sony's PlayStation Portable in South Korea may be lifted by as much as 30 per cent later this year, according to Sony Computer Entertainment Korea boss Yoon Yeo-eul, who was commenting on the launch success of the device.

The original target for the territory was to sell through 500,000 units of the PSP by next March, but after selling 130,000 units in the two months since launch, the device continues to sell strongly and looks likely to beat this target.

However, Sony won't be changing its official target just yet, with Yoon saying that October was the likely date for any revision to the official figures to be announced.

"Being realistic, I think it's possible to raise the PSP sales target in South Korea by 20 per cent to 30 per cent," he told the Yonhap news agency last week. "If PSP sales maintain their current pace, the timing of boosting our original target will be around October."

A major element in the success of the PSP in South Korea has been the inclusion of wireless internet access with the system, allowing users to browse the web and other media and communications services when they're within range of a wireless hotspot.

That system, rolled out in conjunction with local broadband provider KT Corp, may well make it into PSPs elsewhere in the world eventually - but for now, it's only available in South Korea.

"PSP will appeal not only to hard-core gamers but to everyone else as well as it's a great multimedia device," according to Yoon.

"With PSP, a user can check e-mail, watch movies and listen to music," he continued. "This machine will offer us an opportunity to lure customers seeking easy access to a whole new entertainment and media experience."