Sir Howard Stringer, Sony’s CEO, either misspoke or prematurely released information on a second launch delay for the PS3 in Europe. During an interview with CNET, Stringer said that "the European launch in April…is very important to us".
Stringer’s words were an attempt to quell the fears that the PS3 would, yet again, be late for launch. Instead, he created even more panic by, apparently, citing an incorrect launch window. Last November, the European debut of the PS3 was pushed back until March 2007 because of hardware shortages. Europeans, who are ready and eager to finally get in on the PS3 action, would definitely not take another delay quietly.
Sony Corp. went into immediate damage control concerning Stringer’s remarks by stating, "In a recent interview, Sir Howard Stringer stated that the launch for the PS3 in Europe and other PAL countries is slated for April. Sir Howard meant to say the launch was set for ‘this spring’. The release for the PS3 in Europe and other PAL countries remains March. David Reeves has confirmed again today that we are still on course for a March release."
The actual launch date and pricing structure for Europe is scheduled to be announced next week. The announcement will serve not only as a measure of Sony’s resolve in its commitment to launch by March, but will also be an indicator as to whether or not Sony has been able to overcome its PS3 manufacturing problems.
