Sony's PS3 Delay Sparks Grey Market Frenzy

Strategic Insights -

European gamers are turning to the grey market for the release of Sony's highly anticipated PS3 console, following its delay in the region. Despite Sony's original launch plan, the PS3 will now be released in March 2007, nearly six months later than intended. This delay has sparked a frenzy among gamers, with many opting to import the console from Japan or the US, where it was released last Saturday.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sony's PS3 was delayed in the European market, with a new launch date set for March 2007, nearly six months after its original planned release.
  • European gamers are turning to the grey market to obtain the PS3, with many opting to import the console from Japan or the US.
  • Specialist online games console exporters, such as Hong Kong-based Lik-Sang, were offering import services to European gamers before being shut down by Sony.
  • Lik-Sang's closure and other retailers' cancellation of export pre-orders have not deterred some gamers, who are still looking for ways to acquire the console.
  • The grey market has a long history in Europe, with imports of consoles such as the Sega Master System and Nintendo 64 dating back to the 1980s.
  • The PSP's integral display and lack of region-coding games make it more attractive to a wider import market than previous consoles.
  • Retailers such as ElectricBirdLand have been importing PSPs in bulk and selling them to customers in the UK.
  • Sony has taken legal action against retailers such as Lik-Sang and ElectricBirdLand, citing trademark infringement.

Statistics:

  • 2004: The PS3's hand-held console, the PlayStation Portable (PSP), was released in Japan in December.
  • 2005: The PSP was released officially in Europe in September.
  • 2006: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE)'s actions led to Lik-Sang's closure.
  • 2006: Lik-Sang's export pre-orders were cancelled.
  • 2007: The PS3's European launch is scheduled for March.

Sources:

  • By Mark Evans, "Sony's PS3 Delay Sparks Grey Market Frenzy", excerpt from an article by Mark Evans, a solicitor in the intellectual property & technology group at Watson Burton, dated unknown (original article date not provided).