PS3 Delayed in Europe, Middle East, Australia

Sony announced that they have delayed their PS3 shipments in Europe, Asia, and Australia until early 2007. 

Sony has ended its goal of a global launch for its next-generation console as the company announced at least a four month delay in the release of PlayStation 3 in PAL territories.

Originally planned for a November 17 European release, PS3 is now slated to debut in March of 2007. The postponement, according to Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, is due to a production delay of the blue laser diode used in PS3′s Blu-ray drive. Sony representatives have previously said that PS3 production had yet to begin, but that the system was still on schedule.

The production trouble will be felt in all markets. Sony will have about 400,000 units available for the U.S. launch, and 100,000 available in Japan, fewer machines than planned, says Sony Computer Entertainment Chief Ken Kutaragi. “We decided to focus on the Japanese and U.S. markets,” Kutaragi told the Associated Press. “I am so sorry not to be able to answer to all the expectations.”

The Blu-ray drive is one of PS3′s most controversial features. The drive, which uses a narrow, blue laser allowing for increased storage capacity, is believed to be one of the main reasons behind PS3′s US$600 price. Sony is a major supporter of the new disc format, while Microsoft backs the competing HD-DVD. Nintendo has stayed away from the format battle.

The PS3 delay affects the markets of Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia. Sony still plans to launch the system November 11 in Japan and November 17 in North America. Sony is also maintaining its goal of 6 million units globally in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007, but Kutaragi says only 2 million units will be available by the end of 2006– half the previously expected amount.

http://www.nintendojo.com/infocus/view_item.php?1157545340

Analysts on PS3: http://wii.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3153446

Around The Net: