Just spotted this over at spong.com

We can reveal that the PSP, Sony’s ever-controversial handheld PlayStation 2 derivative, will be released into Europe towards the end of March 2005.

The news comes following our discussions with several large media owners in the UK, all of which have seen considerable bookings for the PSP throughout the month, with Sony stating to them that the machine will hit then.

“The console is launching in March, at least in the UK. Either that or Sony’s marketing department has decided to rewrite the rulebook,” we were told by one source this afternoon.

All of which makes for a somewhat thrilling showdown between Nintendo and SCEE, with both firms planning to release their respective next-generation handhelds within weeks of each other.

Friends, we have a proper gaming hardware showdown. Put the popcorn in the microwave and unplug the dog.