Analyst: PlayStation 3 Launch 'May Be Late'

A report authored by Friedman Billings Ramsey analyst Shawn Milne suggests that the launch of Sony's next generation platform, the PlayStation 3, will be delayed, according to the note, which was obtained by consumer website GameSpot. "According to our semiconductor research team, there are further indications that the Sony PS3 launch may be late (although there remains significant confusion on the timing of launches by geography)," said the report. An earlier Variety report had hinted at a similar delay, but without direct attribution from Sony itself, as in this report, which is meant for stock planning purposes. According to Milne, not only will Sony miss its 'Spring 2006' launch window, likely meant to signify the Japanese launch, a summer launch will likely be missed as well. And much like last year, Milne predicts that a North American delay until 2007 could mean a poor fourth quarter for game sales, though it's not clear whether this is the case yet. Milne did not predict a price point for the console, but did say that Electronic Arts will do well during the eventual launch, with "8-12" planned titles, likely including the company's traditional sports and racing stalwarts.