Sony has delayed the launch of PlayStation 3 in the European market to March 2007, the device was suppose to come out on November 2006 but production problems got in the way. There is an announcement on the official PlayStation website that explains the situation:

"unfortunately, production issues with the blue laser diodes needed for the Blu-ray Disc drive at the hear of the system have forced us to push the European launch back"

The delay includes the following PAL territories: Europe, Russia, middle east, Africa and Australia. There were some European stores which had the PS3 available for pre-order but those will have to wait and probably refund the money to the impatient customers that want to have the gaming system this year. On the meanwhile, the PS3 launch dates for Japan (November 11) and USA (November 17) are still on.

Via i4u