Spring is drawing closer, and we are yet to see any real indications that Sony will launch the PS3 this spring. A new Merrill Lynch report published late last week suggest an autumn launch in Japan is most likely, with a US launch possibly being delayed to early 2007.
Spokeswoman for Sony Sakaguchi responded to the allegations made by Merrill Lynch stating that Sony is still aiming for a spring launch. "There is no change in our original plan to release the console in spring 2006," Sakaguchi told the press in Tokyo. However Sony’s definition of spring is a bit unclear as an April/May launch is now looking more and more unlikely.
The main reason for a delay according to the latest Merrill Lynch report is the high manufacturing costs of the IBM Cell processor and the Blu-Ray drive, sending the total manufacturing cost per unit as high as $900. Sony's shares fell as much as 4.4 percent on Monday in response to the report. The shares closed down 3.6 percent at 5,300 yen, underperforming the Tokyo stock market's electrical machinery index IELEC, which fell 1.85 percent.
If Sony delays the launch by 6 - 12 months manufacturing costs can be dramatically reduced, while also giving developers extra time to explore the power of the new hardware. We expect Sony to officially reveal more info on the price and launch dates very soon.
Spring is drawing closer, and we are yet to see any real indications that Sony will launch the PS3 this spring. A new Merrill Lynch report published late last week suggest an autumn launch in Japan is most likely, with a US launch possibly being delayed to early 2007. 
