Microsoft Crashes Sony PS3 Launch

The European launch of the PlayStation 3 has been met by both cheers and indifference across the continent.

London saw the biggest turnout and all those that turned up for the midnight event also got a free HD TV to go with their new console.But in France, Germany and many other places crowds of keen gamers were conspicuous by their absence. In both London and France Microsoft mounted publicity stunts to rub some of the gloss off Sony’s launch events.

At the Virgin Megastore in London’s Oxford Street, the software giant handed out chairs to those queuing that had a website address printed on them. Anyone visiting the webpage saw an Xbox 360 branded site that "welcomes" Sony to the next generation and chides the electronics giant for being "late". Microsoft’s Xbox 360 launched in late 2005.

BBC