One of the things I missed by not going to Microsoft's X05 event was Microsoft gibes against Sony and its PlayStation 3 launch. One example was Xbox UK boss Neil Thompson saying, according to MCV trade magazine: "I'll be happy to compete whenever they [Sony] turn up, but I wouldn't be surprised if that's not until spring '07. If they hit Xmas '06, then maybe it'll be a very thin launch; a launch in name only."
Sony hasn't firmed up a PS3 launch date beyond vague talk of spring next year, and that's assuming affordable supplies of Cell processors and Blu-ray drives. Neither is guaranteed. Also, it would obviously suit Sony to delay the PS3 launch as long as possible, because (a) Cell chips and Blu-ray drives will get cheaper; and (b) it's raking in cash from the PS2 and the hot-selling PSP.
Given that the PS3 is likely to appeal to a couple of hundred million PS2 owners, it's also a pretty safe bet that Sony is not going to attempt a simultaneous global launch. It will satisfy Japanese demand before tackling the US, and then Europe will trail behind -- as usual.
Under the circumstances, Spring 07 doesn't sound such a bad guess for the PS3 reaching the UK. And given the problems of launching products based on untried technologies, it could be even later....
