Playstation 3 Launch Postponed Until November Amid Technical Delays

The highly anticipated launch of the Playstation 3 games console has been postponed from the spring to November, following technical problems. This delay will give rival consoles, including Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Revolution, a window of opportunity to gain market share. Sony's head of video games, Ken Kutargi, cited the need for finalizing agreements on disc copy protection technology as the reason for the delay.

Key Takeaways:

• The Playstation 3 launch has been postponed from the spring to November, a six-month delay.
• Sony will be a year behind Microsoft, which launched its Xbox 360 before Christmas in 2005.
• The delay may also give Nintendo an opportunity to beat Sony to the market, with their Revolution console due later in the year.
• The Playstation 3 will use a new Blu-ray format for its discs, which can store more information than a conventional DVD.
• The console will be "backwards" compatible, allowing it to play games from the Playstation 2.
• The Playstation 3's delayed launch is a major setback for Sony, which is trying to mount a recovery after several years of poor earnings.
• The console's launch is critical for Sony's image and profits.

Statistics:

• The Playstation 3's launch delay is six months.
• Sony will be a year behind Microsoft in terms of console launch timing.
• Microsoft's Xbox 360 launched before Christmas in 2005.
• Nintendo's Revolution console is due later in the year.
• The Playstation 3 will use the Blu-ray format for its discs.
• The console will be "backwards" compatible with games from the Playstation 2.

Sources:

• The Guardian (no date)
• Sony's Ken Kutargi (no date)
• Microsoft's Xbox 360 launch (December 2005)
• Nintendo's Revolution console (no date)
• PlayStation's UK Spokesman, David Wilson (no date)