Sony’s goal to launch the Playstation 3 in the Spring of this year is not possible, according to analysts. Evan Wilson from Pacific Crest Securities, believes that the PS3 will not be available in the US until the end of 2006.

According to Next-gen, Wilson was quoted by Interactive Investor saying “the most likely scenario” was a launch in Japan this summer and launch in the US in November 2006, with 1 million units for each territory. Wilson does not expect the PS3 to be available in Europe until March 2007.

William Drewry, an analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston, is predicting a short delay from the scheduled launch period. He expects Sony to face a similar problem with its chip yielding as Microsoft did with the Xbox 360 console. He believes production bottlenecks could be the main determinant for the Playstation 3 release date.

“The decision as to whether to delay the PS3 launch has yet to be made and is dependent on improving its chip yield… We view any potential delay as being one to two months rather than six months duration,”

he wrote.

While Drewry comments on the delay, he does not indicate which market will see the PS3 first and how long after the others will have to wait.

If estimates come to fruition, it will be good news for Microsoft who will be hoping to capitalize on any delays Sony experiences. It will give them time to consolidate the Xbox 360’s place in the market, iron out any remaining flaws and continue to bring out new software before the Playstation 3 even hits the shelves.

If Sony is unable to commit to a release date, Microsoft may be able to persuade Playstation gamers to jump ship and move on to the Xbox 360.

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