Following widespread reports earlier this week that Sony Computer Entertainment’s upcoming (all-singing, all-dancing) Next Generation Portable (NGP) handheld console would likely see a launch delay as a result of the recent tragedies and devastation wrought in Japan, a SCE Japan representative has denied the possibility of such a setback, pointing out that NGP was never formally announced for a worldwide 2011 release.

Speaking to the Nikkei news agency, SCEJ spokesperson Satoshi Fukuoka said simply:

“So far we see no impact from the quake on our launch plan.”

SCEJ will continue to ‘monitor the situation’ leading up to the launch of NGP, widely believed to be at the very tail-end of this year in at least one region.

The reports of the NGP delay came about after Sony Computer Entertainment America president Jack Tretton warned that the device may see a delay ‘in some territories’ due to the earthquakes and resultant tsunamis in Japan recently, which would expectedly affect production of the console for a worldwide launch.

While it was never promised that NGP would release in more than one region this year (i.e. Japan), rumours and reports point to a simultaneous worldwide launch of the console. Fukuoka did mention, however, that the plan to launch NGP in a series of staggered regional releases hasn’t been altered, and this process will still go ahead later this year.

Want to know more about this so-called NGP? Don’t hesitate to pore over El33tonline’s extensive previous coverage of Sony’s astounding new handheld, with loads of images, information and demonstration videos.