An article on the Japanese Sankei website has a quote from an unnamed Sony spokesperson that possible problems with the mass production of the Blu-ray drive could delay the PS3 launch. "The highest quality picture is vital to the PS3. There is a possibility of delay if delivery of parts is delayed." If that delay occurs, the new launch would happen in October, to take advantage of the holiday season. Delay rumors have been rampant since Wall Street stock-brokerage firm Merrill Lynch speculated the new console wouldn't launch before the end of the year.