Sony aim for Q2 2006 PS3 launch

PS3 News | Not quite what Microsoft will want to hear.

Microsoft have been banking on the Xbox 360 having a massive head start over Sony's PS3 in the next generation in order to gain some serious market-share in Japan. However, a recent report from Gamefront suggests that this head-start will not quite be as big as Microsoft anticipated.

Sir Howard Stringer, CEO and chairman of Sony, has confirmed that the company intends to launch the PS3 during spring 2006 - so, Q2 then, for those in countries with backward seasons. Much earlier than various analysts and experts predicted.

While no territories were named, it seems pretty obvious that Japan will get the PS3 first, around April or May - presuming this strategy doesn't collapse, anyway. Of course, US and PAL launches would be looking at a Q4 2006 launch as a best-case scenario. Funnily enough, April/May is looking likely to see the release of the GameCube's last hurrah, Zelda Twilight Princess.

The PS3 is currently high on the most wanted list of many Japanese pundits, as a recent survey found out. Surveying 500 male gamers and 500 female gamers, a rather disturbing 72.8% said they would be buying a PS3. This is compared to 29.1% who said they were interested Nintendo's Revolution, and an upsetting 5.8% who were interested in the Xbox 360.

Looks like Microsoft will need every day of that head start when the Xbox 360 launches on December 10 in Japan.

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8 Comments

plufim

6 years ago

Speculation by Eurogamer about this exact interview:

Quote

But in which territories, precisely? Well, indications are that a Japanese launch will come first, some time around April or May. European and US launches will follow later - most likely before the end of the year, but possibly as late as 2007.

Gee, I wonder which territories get the 2007 release?

Capoeira

6 years ago

Quote

The PS3 is currently high on the most wanted list of many Japanese pundits, as a recent survey found out. Surveying 500 male gamers and 500 female gamers, a rather disturbing 72.8% said they would be buying a PS3. This is compared to 29.1% who said they were interested Nintendo's Revolution, and an upsetting 5.8% who were interested in the Xbox 360.

72.8%, that's some market share! These results are based on information we have at the moment. I pretty sure once the PS3 price is revealed (assuming it will be very expensive), that figure will drop.

Same goes for the Revolution. Once we see it in action and the hype starts to build up, I can see that figure increasing as it's release date nears. After all, the Jap's love their Nintendo.

As for the 360, the chance of that outperforming the PS3 or Revolution in Japan is pretty remote. Its wishful thinking on Microsoft’s part, but the Japanese people would be more likely to support their home brands before allowing these foreign devils to get a foothold in the Japanese marketplace. Unless the Xbox360 has some kickass exclusive Japanese developed titles (Can't think of any of the top off my head), they're grasping at invisible straws.

And as for Sony's attempts at taking the steam out of Twilight Princess... I know which I'll be more excited about once April/May comes round.

realitybites

6 years ago

Well at least in Oz we won't see a PS3 for awhile after than so plenty of time to save after buying a Xbox 360 (assuming March 2006 release here).

ObsoletE

6 years ago

why is such a huge percentage "Disturbing"?

it would also be interesting to know if this was done before or after the revealing of the NRev Baton. methinks it was before, and it could account for the relatively low "will buy" index of the NRev.

themak

6 years ago

Brendan wrote

Sony aim for Q2 2006 PS3 launch by Brendan

PS3 News: Not quite what Microsoft will want to hear.

[View Article]

Yeah, they'll have to rush Halo3. XD

Kloppy

6 years ago

The gamefront souce link is borked.

So the Revolution and PS3 are set for a similar launch date.... hmmm.

Qbert

6 years ago

Rev will launch later than PS3 I am pritty sure. Remember that rep for Nintendo said that he would be very dissapointed if he was at E3 06 not playing the Revolution.

Too me, anyway, this means that it won't be out untill at earlyest June-July, where are Sony seems to be aiming towards April/May.

Having a console launching around July seems great to me as that's when American's start summer holidays (I think)and there's usually a ton of new games and things released.

Thor

6 years ago

I saw a recent article saying that the ps3 would be available in all territories by the summer, im assuming that the summer American time, so thats only about 9 months away, im hoping thats true i want a ps3 so bad.

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