Originally Posted by YYZC2
So I've decided to head to Tokyo to pick up a Sony PSP when it is released on Dec. 12th.
I've been following developments on most of the gadget blogs, but there is a lot of info out there that is in Japanese only, and I'm afraid that it might be important stuff, like rumors regarding availability, pricing etc...
I'm wondering, where would be the best place to go to pick one up on debut day? Should I expect lines? Should I expect shortages? How much above the ~19,000 Yen MSRP should I expect to pay, tax in? I have been to Akihabara before... will those little shops have PSP's or should I stick to the big retailiers?
I hope to be on a 6 pm flight back to Canada on the 12th... think this is too optimistic?
I've heard that it was pandemonium at the Ginza Apple Store launch... I'm hoping to avoid a scene like that.
I'm also looking for a complete list of game titles available on launch day... I have heard anywhere from 12 to 20...
All I'm going to say is good luck getting one as initial supplies WILL be limited...very limited. I wish I could be more help, honestly...I think going to Japan just to pick one up is a little crazy considering no one knows the future of the system, the TRUE battery life, if movies will be region-free with the systems, etc. You know how they camp out in lines for games/systems....
http://psp.ign.com/ for info on the PSP, hopefully that site can answer your questions including release information. The only things I can remember off the top of my head (i'm a Nintendo fanboy, :P) is that you need a memory card to save games, and Puyo Puyo and Ridge Racer are both launch titles.
Regardless, good luck on your quest and I hope it's worth it for you.