The Gizmondo multi-entertainment handheld device has finally received a firm United States launch date. You can expect to be able to pick one up on August 11, 2005. I have been messing around with it at E3, and personally I am not too impressed with the unit. I mean, it’s cool that there are some GPS-enabled games and all, but one can only have so many handheld devices. The Gizmondo seems to be a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none.

Tiger Telematics Confirms Gizmondo Street Date For North America

Los Angeles, CA, - May, 19th 2005 – Gizmondo Europe Ltd., subsidiary of Jacksonville, Florida-based Tiger Telematics Inc. (other OTC, TGTL) is pleased to announce the street date for North America of its new multi-entertainment handheld, Gizmondo, as the August,11th 2005.

The announcement follows recently released detail of hit content from major games publishers [06/05/05: “Gizmondo Lines Up Four Ubisoft Blockbusters”, and 17/05/05: “EA Backs Gizmondo With Blockbuster Titles And Co-Publishing Deal”], and a declaration that 89 games will be launching on Gizmondo this year.

The extremely powerful, pocket-sized console is attracting enormous attention at the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) event in Los Angeles, California, where it is currently exhibiting (South Hall, Booth #1078). As well as demonstrating the six core functions of games, music, movies, messaging, digital camera, and onboard GPS, Gizmondo has used this globally-renowned industry event to unveil two brand new awesome gaming features, Augmented Reality and Gyroscopic Camera Technology, as well as the line up of GPS-enabled games exclusive to the format.

Mike Morgan, VP of Global Sales, Gizmondo, says: “We will be announcing our retail and distribution partners through the trade media over the next few weeks. The sales meetings being conducted at the show have been tremendously productive and there is a genuine excitement regarding the product from everyone we’ve met with.”

Carl Freer, Co-founder and Chairman, Tiger Telematics, says: “The partnerships we’ve developed with major games publishers, married with internally developed content, satellite navigation products and Smart Adds, will present a unique portfolio that will guarantee the Gizmondo will stand out when we launch in the US on 11th August.” He added, “The North American market is hugely important and we will make every necessary resource available to ensure a successful launch.”