Sony delays Playstation 3 Launch

Sony Computer Entertainment has announced that its much speculated PS3 launch is planned for the coming spring, but could be delayed further owing to finalising some technology specifications.

"We’re aiming for spring, but we haven’t announced specific regions," adding that some of the detailed specifications of the PS3 have not yet been finalized, such as those related to the Blu-ray drive and the input and output of video and sound for the PlayStation 3, said a spokeswoman for Sony Computer Entertainment.

"We’re waiting for them until the last possible minute, but the launch could be pushed back if they’re not decided soon," the spokeswoman said. If the PS3 is not ready in time, the company will choose the next best timing for the launch, she said.

Analysts are expecting Sony to launch the PS3 this summer in Japan, followed by an American launch before the Thanksgiving holiday in November. They expect a launch in Europe in early 2007. Sony has been promising a spring launch but has been deliberately vague about exactly when that would be.

"No one is seriously thinking a spring release is realistic any more," one analyst noted.

A further delay in launching PS3 can mean a serious loss to the company since Microsoft’s XBox 360 has already hit the market last November and is doing well, and may eat into Sony’s market share in this segment.

Based on the news, company’s shares fell as much as 4.4% on Monday, but closed down 3.6% at 5300 Yen.