A couple of stories today for keen PS3 watchers. GameDailyBIZ has a report from Sony Computer Entertainment America asserting that 'final assembly' for PS3 will begin at the end of September with 400,000 units shipping before the November 17 launch - another 800,000 are apparently set to follow later. Interestingly, the article mentions the expected ratio of premium to core packages available in the first shipment: it's an 80/20 split in favour of the former. Looks like budget-conscious gamers are going to be frustrated for a little while longer...
Meanwhile, it seems that Sony's hardware production problems have not gone unnoticed at the very top of the company. Ken Kutaragi has been quoted in GamesIndustry.biz with a spin-free piece of self-analysis:
"If you asked me if Sony's strength in hardware was in decline, right now I guess I would have to say that might be true"
Hopefully, this sense of acknowledgement is just the first step in Sony's efforts to reconnect with its fans, especially those of us in unfavoured Europe. Next step - lots of juicy PAL special editions of US and Japanese launch games, all packed with extra content. It is the least they can do...
