No PSP price drop for Oz

Aussie gamers hoping the recently announced PlayStation Portable price drop for Europe would apply down under needn't hold their breath, with a Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCEA) spokesperson today confirming there are currently no plans to lower the price of the handheld unit.

The SCEA spokesperson told GameSpot AU that whilst a PSP drop wasn't imminent for Australia, the company was "evaluating local market conditions" for a possible future price reduction. "We will make an announcement when a decision has been made," the spokesperson said. In Australia, the PSP Base Pack retails for A$349.95 ($291).

Sony last night confirmed it was reducing the price of the PSP for UK and European gamers. From May 4, the handheld's core price will drop to £129.99 (from £149.99) in the UK, and to 169 euros for the rest of Europe. The price of US PSPs dropped $30 to $169.99 in early April.