We cynics and pessimists knew a near-simultaneous launch for the PlayStation 3 wouldn't happen, but until the announcement yesterday, we had hoped Sony would forget its past record and accidentally fulfil its promise to get their next generation hardware out in European territories within weeks of the machine's release in North America and Japan. But - in a story that's become all too familliar - they're having a hard time mass-producing one of the components, and we're getting left out of the lurch.
From the official press release:
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced that it would revise the launch date of its PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system in the PAL territories of Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa and Australasia from 17th November 2006, as previously announced to March 2007.
Launch dates for Japan and North America will remain the same, which are November 11th and November 17th respectively.
The revision of the launch date in the SCEE territories is caused by the delay in the mass production schedule of the blue laser diode within the Sony Group, thus affecting the timely procurement of key components to be utilised in PLAYSTATION 3.
The previously announced PLAYSTATION 3 shipment forecast of 6 million units globally within the fiscal year ending 2007 is not changed.
It doesn't feel good to be the lowest priority. Unfortunately (because I'm feeling spiteful), this announcement (and our hurt feelings) probably won't dramatically change their sales figures. Only hardcore gamers will be miffed by this news, as I expect the mass market won't realise anything's changed.
However, losing out on holiday sales may indeed serve a blow to the PlayStation's bottom line. The Xbox 360, with an announced price drop taking effect before the holiday rush and the Nintendo Wii (potentially) on the shelves may damage the Sony console's reputation in the consumer glut. Let's see them try this stunt in North America, eh?
Will this do more damage than their hefty price tag or will the brand live to see another generation?
I'm off to go lick my wounds. Sniff.
