Sony delays Playstation 3 European launch

Sony pushed back the European launch date for its PlayStation 3 console by around four months today.

The technology giant blamed delays in the production of a component for the PS3’s new disc technology.

Irish fans and retailers will be disappointed by the console’s revised March 2007 debut, which will miss the lucrative pre-Christmas market.

Sony had previously delayed the PS3’s European launch from spring this year to November 17 because of production problems.

The next-generation console will still go on sale as planned in Japan and North America on November 11 and November 17 respectively.

Sony is sticking to its initial global target of shipping six million PS3 consoles within the tax year ending 2007.

Announcing the delayed launch date at a press conference in Tokyo, Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi said: “We decided to focus on the Japanese and US markets. I am so sorry not to be able to answer to all the expectations.

“We’ve been working hard to try to tackle the problem, but we see the delay is inevitable.”

Far fewer machines will be available for the launch dates in Japan and the US because of the production problem, he added.

The PS3 uses blu-ray discs – the high definition replacement for DVDs.

An exact launch date for the PS3’s postponed debut in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia has not yet been announced.

HMV’s head of games Tim Ellis said: “This is pretty disappointing news for PlayStation fans as well as for retailers, who have been gearing up for this launch for some time now.”

Mr Ellis said the delay should at least mean there would be no shortages of PS3s when it does launch.

He added: “It also presents a major opportunity to Microsoft to consolidate Xbox’s position in the market, while Nintendo have a great chance to launch and firmly establish Wiii – which is a wonderful product and has every chance of being a ’must-have’ best-seller this Christmas.”