Sony had intended for the PlayStation 3 to launch simultaneously on three continents in November. They have now scrapped those plans. The European launch of the PS3 has been pushed back to the spring of 2007. According to The Register, “The revision of the launch date 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.”
What does this mean for American game players? Does this mean more systems in stores for Christmas?
Perhaps not.
Removing one territory from the launch equation should mean more systems for North America and Japan, but that would assume that everything in the manufacturing process is going Sony’s way. Except that it’s not. As of a few weeks ago Sony hadn’t yet manufactured a single unit for consumer purchase. The system launch is two and a half months away. Add to that the news about Sony’s difficulty making the blue-laser diode for the system, and consumers can expect tight quantities on the PS3 come Christmas time. Diodes in tight quantities mean a manufacturing bottleneck. Add to that the time it takes to get systems built, packed, loaded, and shipped across the Pacific in container ships.
If you wanted a PlayStation 3 for Christmas, perhaps it’s time to start thinking about alternatives.
I hate to say it, but I am so glad I don’t have to deal with this anymore. 😉
By the way, I love the site. Love the layout and the way the fringes look on this “parchment”. 😀
Does this really surprise anyone? This is constantly happening, with not enough consoles available, thus pushing up demand and anticipation.
I’m not surprised. Then again, I’m not going to be an early adopter, so I’m not worried. 🙂