PSP Success delays PS3 Launch

The lack of communication surrounding the launch of the PS3 has started speculation that the new console will be delayed with a launch now being runoured as being 2007 for Japan.

The FT commented: "A delay to the launch of PS3 will not just embarrass the embattled consumer electronics group but, depending on how long the delay turns out to be, it could jeopardise Sony’s dominant position in the video games market – giving rival Microsoft a major boost."

Further complications were the new Blu-ray disk developments and how long it would take to incorporate into the new PS3 console.

Furthemore, games developers are unwilling to commit to games launches: “So many [software developers] are saying that the development tools [needed to develop software] are not available and that the software won’t be ready [by the spring],” says Hirokazu Hamamura, president of Enterbrain, which publishes Famitsu, a widely-read video games magazine.

He continued: “PS2 sold well before Christmas in North America and PSP [Sony’s handheld console] is also selling well so there is no reason to launch PS3 right away."