A statement on Sony's Chinese-language Web site today blames the delay of the PlayStation2 gaming console on an "unfavorable environment" in China. The launch was scheduled to occur last week.

Software and game console makers have long worried about selling products in China due to rampant piracy.

"We are working with all our power to satisfy everyone's hopes by making the PlayStation2 available to consumers, and we deeply apologize to you for any inconvenience," the website says.

An AP report quotes a Japan-based Sony spokesman saying that the decision was made to delay the launch because preparations had not been completed on time.