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Big Ken admits 'decline'

More from Kutaragi on PS3 delay.

Detractors may have accused Sony of arrogance with its marketing of the PlayStation 3, but Ken Kutaragi has recently responded rather humbly when discussing the hardware problems that have beset the electronics giant.

“If you asked me if Sony’s strength in hardware was in decline, right now I guess I would have to say that might be true,” commented Kutaragi, president of SCEI, after the announcement of a delay to the European launch of the PS3.

Not only has the firm struggled to meet the demand for blue laser diodes, a key component of the DVD functionality of the PlayStation 3, but it has recently been forced to recall faulty batteries supplied to laptops, causing them to overheat.

Sony has traditionally relied on the PlayStation consoles to help buoy the company while taking losses due to the development of other electronics products.

However, with the costs associated with launching the PlayStation 3 and a manufacturing process that is publicly stumbling, the Sony Group would surely benefit from Kutaragi's example of acting honestly to reassure investors and the loyal followers of the brand.