Sony takes their time???? Both PlayStation launches suffered a number of problems, and PlayStation 2 launched with only half the consoles they wanted to make available due to component problems. Not to mention the fact that Sony has a long history of sending out shoddy merchandise that needs to be returned by the consumer. In fact, the disc read error was so common, that the PS2 unit we received at Happypuppy.com when I was an editor there was busted on arrival, and so was the personal unit I bought for myself a couple of months later.
XBox 360 did have similar problems, and it does appeared they rushed things, but this is a slash-and-burn type of industry now. Speed seems to be biggest requirement nowadays, not quality control. The only ones who get screwed are the consumer.
If Sony takes they're time and is so careful with their hardware launches, why did they initially promise a spring/summer launch in Japan, then delay the Japanese launch to put together a worldwide launch this Holiday season (which will create another frenzy of shortages like the 360 did)?
It's two massive corporations going at it with Nintendo, no poverty stricken hobo by any means, taking its swipes. There isn't a single 'David' among these 'Goliaths', and not a single flawless strategy either. Sony will probably hold its place on the top spot, but it won't be because they're more 'careful' than the other two console makers.