Sony aren't happy with a number of Italian game stores who decided to completely ignore the official PS3 launch date tomorrow and release the PS3 yesterday.

Sony say that the defiant move is against their policy of consumer protection. We don't need protecting, we just want the console as soon as we can get our hands on it, gamers are the winners here. Unfortunately, some specialist retailers aren't at all happy because their consoles don't arrive in stock until Friday morning!

Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz Sony unleashed their wrath, "Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is deeply disappointed by the unilateral decision of some Italian retail chains to commence the sale of PlayStation 3 to consumers before this official launch date. Such decisions run counter to our policy of consumer protection which seeks to ensure that all of our consumers have an equal opportunity to purchase PlayStation 3", said a Sony spokesperson.

It's not going to be an end to the matter because Sony will "carefully consider all available options in relation to retailers who have commenced sale of PlayStation 3 prior to 23rd March 2007".

Source :: GamesIndustry.biz