Sony has officially confirmed that the European launch of the PlayStation 3 has been delayed, claiming "production issues with the blue laser diodes needed for the Blu-Ray drive". Originally planned for a worldwide release in November, Europe will now have to wait until March 2007 to get their hands on a PS3. Plans to launch the PS3 in North America and Japan this November remain unchanged.
According to the announcement: "The PAL market is the most complicated region in which to launch the system, and is therefore the most pragmatic choice to bear the brunt of a shortage of components."
The delay means Microsoft's Xbox 360, which was launched last year, will enjoy another Christmas season without facing a challenge from Sony in Europe.
Nintendo's Wii console is also scheduled for a worldwide release this autumn, although no firm date or price have been set.
Speaking at Sony's global headquarters in Tokyo, Mr Ken Kutaragi apologised for the delays to the PlayStation 3 launch.
But he said Sony had decided to focus on the US and Japan market first, in the run-up to Christmas.
"I am so sorry not to be able to answer all the expectations," Mr Kutaragi said.
Ray Maguire, senior vice president and managing director of Sony UK said: "We are extremely disappointed at news of this delay, and can truly empathise with everyone who was looking forward to PS3's imminent release.
"We will however be working tirelessly to ensure that the March 2007 launch, is the biggest & best in the company's history."
So if you want to play the new Sony console before the end of the year, better pre-order an import version. Expect to pay enormous importing prices on top of that high price to buy one in the first place…
Source: Sony UK PlayStation
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walking leaf says:
More bad news regarding the PlayStation 3:
The blue laser diode shortage that has delayed the PAL launch of the PS3 will also be affecting the North American and Japanese launches of the console.
Sony Computer Entertainment Chief Ken Kutaragi told news reporters that far fewer units will be available for the U.S. and Japanese launches, with the U.S. to be allocated 400,000 units, and Japan getting 100,000. As a result, Sony has now lowered its estimate of 4 million PS3s shipped by the end of 2006 to a more realistic 2 million…
Sep 06, 2006, 6:35 am