After comments from EA, there has been some doubt over whether the PS3 would see the light of day next spring. Sony are trying to quash these doubts, by telling news agencies that the planned launch is still very much on. But whether this will be a global launch like the 360 enjoyed or a traditional Sony staggered roll-out have yet to be confirmed, and Sony are keeping mum.

Sony has re-iterated its plan to ship the PlayStation 3 by Spring 2006. The announcement follows Electronic Arts CEO Larry Probst's prediction that the console won't debut until next Autumn.

Sony yesterday told the Reuters news agency that the company is gearing up for a Spring launch, but that doesn't necessarily refute Probst's belief. All previous PlayStation launches have kicked off in Japan, with US and European roll-outs not taking place until many months later.

More from The Register here.

As el Reg points out, a combined PS3 and Blu-ray launch makes a lot of sense - as a high take up of the console would go alon way to ensuring that the new storage medium is adopted as the de-facto HD standard. But Sony has a difficult decision to make - do they follow in Redmonds footsteps with a big bang global launch, and run the risk of alienating potential customers with shortages - or go with a phased entry, and give the 360 up to a year's (in some regions) uncontested head start? Tough call...

What would you do, if you had to make the decision? let us know in the news forumhere - if you can tear yourselves away from your 360, that is.