Earlier today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced it had revised its launch date to March, 2007. Responding to this announcement, Kaz Hirai, president and chief executive officer, SCEA stated:

"The change in the release date for PS3 in the SCEE territories will not impact our launch for the system here in North America. Our plans remain unchanged, and we are on track to meeting our goals with this important launch. It is also important to note that the previously announced global PS3 shipment forecast of six million units within the fiscal year ending 2007 has not changed."

The revision of the launch date in the SCEE territories was caused by the delay in the mass production schedule of the blue laser diode within the Sony Group, thus affecting the timely procurement of key components to be utilized in PS3.