Play Station 3 European launch date revealed

The long-awaited PlayStation 3 will finally go on sale across Europe on 23 March, and will cost 599 Euros.

Sony has said that only the 60GB version of the console will be available at launch, with the 20GB model to follow later.

The next-generation console is already available in Japan and the US, where it went on sale in November last year.

The European launch was postponed after problems mass producing parts for the console's Blu-ray disc drive.

Sony has said that one million of the consoles will be made available at launch in Europe, with around a quarter of the stock landing in the UK.

Each machine will cost £425 (in the UK) or 599 Euros. (you must be mad if you want to buy ps3 at this price)

The Xbox 360, launched in November 2005, was the first next-generation console on the market and has already sold over 10 million units.

The Nintendo Wii went on sale in November 2006 but immediately made an impact, selling over 700,000 units across Europe in December alone.

Buying a PS3 also gives owners free access to the online PlayStation Network where they can meet and take on other gamers.

For the European launch, Sony has said that more than 30 titles will be available including The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Motorstorm and Resistance: Fall of Man. Other titles such as Lemmings will be available over the PlayStation Network.