The European launch of the PlayStation 3 (PS3) games console has been postponed until March 2007, Sony has announced.
Sony games head Ken Kutaragi made the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday.
The Japanese company had originally planned to launch its next-generation console in Europe in November.
Mr Kutaragi blamed the five-month delay on problems in mass producing a key component for the machines Blu-ray high-definition DVD player.
"We decided to focus on the Japanese and US markets," said Mr Kutaragi. "I am so sorry not to be able to answer to all the expectations.
"We've been working hard to try to tackle the problem, but we see the delay is inevitable."
The Tokyo-based electronics group said it still planned to release the PS3 in Japan on November 11 and in the US on November 17.
However, the production problems will mean that fewer machines than anticipated will be available for the Japanese and US launches.
But despite the bad news, Sony said it still expected to ship 6 million PS3s by the end of next March.
The PS3 will go head-to-head with Microsoft's Xbox 360, which was released in the US and Japan last year, and Nintendo's Revolution, which should go on sale later this year.
Sony has dominated the games console market for many years with the success of its PlayStation 1 (PS1) and PlayStation 2 (PS2).
The firm has sold more than 90 million PS2s and over 100 million PS1s.
However, the European delay will be a big blow to Sony, a company that has struggled financially in recent years.
Sony was hoping that the PS3 would help to boost falling sales and profits. But missing out the on the lucrative Christmas period in Europe will be cause for major concern.
The PS3 will launch with a 60 GB hard drive and will be able to play existing PS2 and PS1 games.
The console, which will cost either 499 euros or 599 euros in Europe, is compatible with a variety of TV sets currently out in the market, including standard-definition and high-definition models.
Users can also connect the PS3 to high-speed broadband networks through Gigabit Ethernet and enjoy a range of content and services over the network.
The article Euro PlayStation 3 launch delayed originally appeared on 999 Today
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