Gizmondo Handheld Sees Spanish Launch, U.S. Plans

Officials from Gizmondo Europe have announced that, following the recent announcement of the purchase of UK developer Warthog's subsidiaries to aid its first party game line-up, the company has signed a one year distribution agreement with United Electronics SL to distribute the Gizmondo handheld console in Spain and Portugal. Carl Freer, MD of Gizmondo Europe, has commented: "Interest from Spain and Portugal in Gizmondo has been significant. We've chosen who we believe will be the strongest distribution partner to facilitate the forthcoming launch." The deal will ensure a minimum of 30,000 unit shipment, with the first deliveries commencing this December. The move marks the first concrete plans to launch the Gizmondo outside the UK. Interestingly, the cult Korean GP32 handheld has also seen Spanish distribution via Virgin PLAY in recent months, showing a possibly eager market for handheld alternatives in Spain and Portugal. However, although the press release also mentions the company's plans to launch in North American markets from the first quarter of 2005, there are no specific details of retailers and amounts for North American release. Gizmondo is likely to remain focused on Europe for the very short term, though, since neither the Nintendo DS nor PlayStation Portable is due to launch there until next spring, leaving a notable gap in the market.