Most projections predicted Sony’s NGP, the anticipated successor to the PSP, for a holiday 2011 launch window. Unfortunately the tragic earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last month has caused major damage to Sony’s manufacturing infrastructure – and it appears that they’ll be gearing up for a staggered single region launch before the end of the year. Full details below.

During an interview with Bloomberg, SCEA boss Jack Tretton bemoaned the fact that the recent earthquake has devastated a number of factories in northern Japan – and cause many to temporarily close in order to conserve energy and grant staff compassionate leave. Naturally there’s also a shortage of components from fellow manufacturers.

What’s more, the tragic circumstances have caused major delays to a number of development studios – and Tretton suggests that they could do with extra time to work on NGP launch titles currently in progress.

So what does this mean for the NGP? Unfortunately, Tretton has confirmed that Sony will be focusing on launching their new handheld in a single region before the end of 2011.

It may be the straw that says ‘maybe we get to just one market by the end of the year.

Naturally the odds-on favourite is Japan, but with Sony’s Western manufacturing base intact, it’s possible that US or PAL territories will see a release first. Either way, we’ll keep you up to date with the latest.