Playstation 3 launch delayed 6 months

Date 15-Mar-2006 8:51:46
Topic: Miscellaneous News


Japanese electronics group Sony has delayed the release of its Playstation 3 video game console.

Technical hitches related to the console's Blu-ray movie disc drive had forced the delay, Sony said.

Sony video games chief Ken Kutaragi said the group was still trying to finalise agreements on developing copy protection technology.

As a result the PS3's launch has been put back to November from its original Spring launch date.

The news came at a hastily-called press conference hours ahead of a Tokyo meeting where the firm is expected to unveil further details about the PS3.

Press rumours

Earlier, reports in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Japan's main financial daily newspaper, said the delay had been prompted by the fact that consumer electronics makers and film firms have been unable to reach a deal on developing copy protection technology.

PS3 users are expected to be able to download and view high quality video from the internet on the console, as well as play games.

Reports of the delay had triggered a 1.8% drop in Sony's shares to 5,470 yen ($46.56; £26.67) on the Tokyo market.

A problem with the launch of the console could be a major setback for the company which is struggling to revive the performance of its consumer electronics division.

In an effort to revive its fortunes the firm has undergone a major restructuring drive involving 10,000 job cuts and 11 factory closures.

Sony's performance in the $25bn games industry is set to be one of the key factors determining the success of the firm's turnaround this year.

Source: BBC News




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