With the news of the European PS3 launch delay, certain competitors might be eager to seize on the opportunity to push extra units over the holidays. Nintendo was rather subdued in its comments, while Microsoft was a bit more forthcoming, while industry analysts say the delay won't affect things too much, except for European stores who might be in a jam, and predict Nintendo might have the most to gain. Read more for details ...

Due to a delay in the mass production schedule of the blue laser diode, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe announced that it would postpone the PS3 launch in Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa and Australasia from its original 17th November 2006 date, to March 2007. Launch dates for Japan and North America will remain the same, which are November 11th and November 17th respectively.

A spiritual sequel to Woo's action masterpiece, Hard Boiled, Stranglehold redefines the action gaming experience with its acrobatic gunplay, thrilling cinematography, frenetic combat and incredible massive destructibility. Originally scheduled for winter 2006, it has been pushed back to Q1 2007.

According to UK magazine The Inquirer, Epic's UT 2007 has been delayed until March 2007. While Epic never really announced an official release date, Sony mentioned on various occasions it was to be a launch title, and many retailers had it listed for end of the year. Specific reasons for the delay were of course not provided, but it is safe to assume the extra development time will be used to polish the game.

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.

SEGA has updated the Condemned: Criminal Origins product page reflecting a change in release date, being pushed back from its original winter 2005 launch time to winter 2006. This does not neccesarely mean it has been delayed for a year, merely postpone from December 2005, to January 2006, which would still mean the same "launch window" (thanks Robert). Condemned: Criminal Origins allows players to experience an unnatural level of psychological tension as they use their instincts, forensic tools, and melee combat to track serial killers and bring them to justice.

UPDATE : SEGA just informed us that the website stated an incorrect date, the title has not been delayed, it is still scheduled for the holiday 2005.