Sony Announces Internet-Enabled South Korean PSP Launch

Sony Computer Entertainment Korea has announced that it is partnering with KT, Korea’s largest telecom provider, to launch the PSP handheld in a special 'Nespot Value Pack' version on May 2nd, the PSP's official Korean debut. Unlike other territories thus far, the South Korean PSP, which costs 328000 won ($322 USD), will come with a Nespot Internet Service Network Utility Disc UMD, as well as the packed-in Spider-Man 2 movie UMD. The Nespot UMD will allow web browsing, as well as TV and music on demand, via the PSP's Wi-Fi connection. Nespot has over 14,000 wireless hotspots within South Korea, and gamers will be charged around 5,000 won ($4.92) per month to access any of them, following the first month's free access. Subscribers will also receive an SCEK online game called Glorace. This Internet browsing service is not yet available in the U.S. or Japan, although enterprising North American hackers have managed to get basic web browsing working, using the normally fixed-URL in-game browser for U.S. launch title Wipeout Pure. However, it's likely that similar PSP services, or at least a more fully-featured Internet browsing add-on, may launch in non-Korean territories during 2005. South Korea is a perfect test ground for such services, since around 70% of South Korean households use the Internet with a broadband connection, according to recent surveys.