AfterDawn: News

Sony confirms European PS3 launch date

Sony has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 (PS3) console will finally launch in Europe on the previously speculated March 23rd date. Only the 60GB version of the console will be available at launch while the 20GB version will become available later on. The console went on sale in both North America and Japan in the fourth quarter of 2006. Production problems mostly related to the included Blu-ray technology delayed the console's launch in Europe at the time.

The PS3 will enter the next generation console war in Europe behind the competition, Microsoft and Nintendo. The Xbox 360 console has sold over 10 million units since its launch in late 2005, and the Wii console had a strong launch in Europe, selling more than 700,000 units. The 60GB version of the PS3 will cost €599 for most of the territory.



Europe had been picked as the territory to delay launching because Sony believes it is the most complex market for distribution. "Sony felt it was better to delay in one market rather than risk failure in three markets and ending up disappointing everybody," Phil Harrison, head of worldwide studios at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

Source:
BBC News

Written by: James Delahunty @ 24 Jan 2007 18:05

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• 10 comments

• NexGen76

  Good Sony kept there word but i dont think people want the 20gig everyone seem to like the 60gig.Its the best deal for you money.

  25.1.2007 02:14 #1

• hughjars

  They cancelled the PSP launch 2 weeks before it happened.
  
  There's no guarantee the PS3 will happen on time......but then again with so many stocks lying around unsold in stores they might well.

  25.1.2007 03:54 #2

• adz_fahie

  yeh sure europe got delayed because we are a complicated market its just because europe is were they make less money!!! so frustrating but its good there keeping there word about the 20 gig and one more thing why do we have to pay more?
  
  thanks
  ad

  25.1.2007 04:21 #3

• adz_fahie

  sorry double post accident!

  25.1.2007 04:32 #4

• NexGen76

  Quote:There's no guarantee the PS3 will happen on time......but then again with so many stocks lying around unsold in stores they might wellWhat stores because i seen on here some where someone had a link to,two major retailer site that said sold-out.
  
  But if they are sitting around i think its because of the lack off games not the system.Just my two cents

  25.1.2007 06:03 #5

• BeerPeer

  Most of the launch titles are old rehashes of earlier Xbox 360 and PC titles. And according to reviewer reactions, they are inferior versions at that.
  
  Who would want to pay a double price for their console only to play games of inferior quality?
  

  25.1.2007 06:07 #6

• hughjars

  Originally posted by adz_fahie:yeh sure europe got delayed because we are a complicated market its just because europe is were they make less money!!! - Which is funny if you think about it cos here they are going to try and charge twice the price that they are charging in Japan.
  
  Who's for betting that after the (short) fanboy rush they don't sell here either?
  
  Quote:so frustrating but its good there keeping there word about the 20 gig and one more thing why do we have to pay more?
  
  thanks
  ad - Offering a choice of price & spec is good?!
  
  How so?

  25.1.2007 09:05 #7

• NexGen76

  What is up with all the Sony hate around here on this site...lol i see Microsoft has people high & low.

  26.1.2007 07:52 #8

• solarf

  I dont think its sony hate, just facts and right now MS is doing better than sony. But who know when they release in Europe things may change.

  30.1.2007 12:51 #9

• hughjars

  Yeah, cos consumers comparing international pricing and complaining about the high prices we're expected to pay is "hate" to the Sony shill.
  
  Says it all.

  30.1.2007 14:57 #10