Whilst industry speculation that PS3’s European arrival could be pushed back as far as September continues, Sony insists that a March launch is still on the cards, with concrete details to be revealed to the public shortly.

MCV has also been led to believe that there is still no intention to launch the 20Gb model in this territory and that the launch price remains at or around £425.

Sony revealed last September that its plans to launch PS3 globally in November were to be scrapped, blaming the production issues surrounding the console’s Blu-Ray diodes on the European delay.

Subsequent supply problems and stock shortages that have plagued the North American and Japanese markets and lead to ongoing speculation that the European release could be pushed back  even further.

However, Sony has continued to deny the reports. In December, SCEE president and CEO David Reeves told MCV: “We’re still on schedule to launch PS3 in March throughout all PAL territories and all speculation otherwise is without foundation."