NGP: Price, battery speculation begins

It’s a premium device, and that fact immediately asks two questions of the NGP – how much will it cost and how long will the battery last?

Analysts are already throwing around figures of between $299 and $349. As a direct translation this would mean between 188 and 220 in the UK.

A surprisingly low figure, perhaps, though one backed up by Eurogamer who claims to have word from a source that Sony is prepared to "make a loss" on each device.

However, the trend in the mobile market is certainly one of accumulating cost. The DS launched for 100 in 2005. The 3DS, which arrives in the UK in March, will cost around 220.

The original PSP arrived in 2005 for 180. To think that Sony could match that with its new machine is, frankly, painfully hopeful. The success of the iPad and iPhone proves that customers will pay a premium device for a premium machine.

With regards to battery life, Eurogamer has been told that Sony is aiming for between six and eight hours off a single charge, though in reality a four or five hour battery life is more realistic. This brings it in line with Nintendo’s 3DS.