Sony expect PS3 Euro shortages

SCEE Euro boss says we'll get our fair share, but that still means you'll probably be sobbing into Santa's sack this Xmas

Sony's recent PlayStation 3 announcement was a welcome and indeed much needed boost to capture headlines and build momentum for the Japanese giant, but once the dust had settled and the cold hard light of day intervened, most industry watchers suspected that with a global November launch planned, Europe might be once again on the short end of the stick in the PS3 global allocation game.

But not according to Sony Europe boss David Reeves, who told respected trade mag MCV that "The US, Japan and Europe will be equally served, It's my job to make sure Europe gets equal billing. I can't specify the numbers but we'll work hard to ensure that it's equal." Good news for PS3 lovers then? Well maybe, especially when Reeves added, "Europe is on track and I think the third party publishers should recognize that. But for us, we'll have four to six [first party] titles at launch."

However while Europe will get an equal share for a change, it looks like we could still be searching for that elusive PS3 when we open Santa's sack on Christmas morning. SCEE UK boss Ray Maguire almost confirmed as much when he said that the November launch is almost guaranteed to lead to hardware shortages.

"Of course the launch is important but we are looking at a long term business plan. It is impractical to believe you can fulfil every single order. But we are going to do the best job we can to deliver what we hope will be a world beating console."

Looks like Sony will run into exactly the same problems as Microsoft did last Christmas, but at least all major territories will be equally disappointed - if that's any consolation.

Suprise Suprise we are always last to get things becasue of no stock etc!

I'll just do what I did with my 360. Get a US one.