Sony Computer Entertainment, has slammed a Merrill Lynch & Co. report that claimed the PlayStation 3 video game console may be delayed.

Kei Sakaguchi, a Sony spokesman in Tokyo says : "There is no change in our original plan to release the console in spring 2006''. Joe Osha from Merrill Lynch said that Sony may start selling the Playstation 3 in Japan in autumn by late 2006 and early 2007 in the U.S.

"Given the increasing competition from Microsoft and Nintendo, Sony can't afford any delays that may help its rivals get ahead,'' said Taiji Yoshida, who helps oversee $6.7 billion at Yasuda Asset Management Co. in Tokyo.

via Bloomberg