PlayStation 3 could be delayed until 2007

The PS3 could be delayed by up to 12 months, putting the console on shelves in early 2007, according to one analyst. Merrill Lynch's Hitoshi Kuriyama said this week that "the launch of PS3 could be delayed by between 6 and 12 months, with the result being an autumn launch in Japan and a late 2006 or early 2007 launch in the U.S."

"A delayed PS3 launch would provide needed room for Microsoft to consolidate its early lead in 5th generation game consoles," he said. "The Xbox 360 met strong pent-up demand in North America and Europe following the Nov/Dec.05 launch. In fact, demand significantly outstripped supply in these two core markets for Microsoft. A delay in Sony's launch of PS3 would give Microsoft additional time to capitalize on its first-mover advantage. This would be particularly true if Sony does not launch in North America and Europe until late 2006 or spring 2007, giving Microsoft a key second holiday season to sell game consoles and software."