Sony Delays European PlayStation 3 Launch

Sony said on Wednesday it would delay the European launch of its PlayStation 3 (PS3) game machine to March from November due to inadequate supply of a key component, missing the critical Christmas shopping season.

The delay means that the PS3 falls substantially behind rival machines Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Nintendo’s Wii in reaching some markets. Microsoft launched its Xbox 360 late last year and Nintendo plans to offer the Wii in the final quarter of 2006.

Kutaragi, known as the "father of the PlayStation," said commercial production of blue laser, a key component for PS3’s Blu-ray optical disc drive, has fallen behind the original schedule, forcing the delay.

Reuters