PS3 Delayed In Europe, Shipments Cut

The PS3 has been delayed until March, 2007 in Europe while shipments to North America and Japan have been cut in half.

In an official statement made today, Sony has canceled plans for a worldwide launch due to shortages of the blue laser diodes needed for Blue-ray drives. As a result, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia will not see the PS3 in November as expected. Currently, the new launch date for the regions is March, 2007.

Sony has also cut their shipment expectations in half for North America and Japan. Previously expecting 4 million units by the end of 2006, Sony now plans for only 2 million units. The current November 17th launch numbers are expected to be 400,000 consoles in North America and only 100,000 in Japan.