PS3 SmackDown! canceled

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[PS3] Next-gen version of wrestling series held back until late 2007

The PlayStation 3 won't see a SmackDown! game for launch - or even this year - as series publisher THQ has announced that the PS3 version of WWE SmackDown! vs Raw 2007 has been canceled. The series will eventually appear on Sony's next-gen console, the company said, but not until the end of 2007.

The latest installment in the hugely successful WWE series will be released for Xbox 360, PSP and PS2 this November but those lucky enough to get a PS3 at launch will have to wait a further 12 months to get their hands on the latest SmackDown!

THQ's official statement said the reason behind the delay was to stay consistent with its goal of "delivering the highest quality content across all next-gen platforms." It therefore decided to "postpone the debut of the SmackDown! series on PlayStation 3 until the holiday 2007 timeframe".

This announcement came in response to rumors circulating that THQ had cancelled the PS3 version of the game. While the fact that the series will eventually arrive on the console is good news, it does give ammunition to the PS3's critics, who have stated that the Sony console will be particularly hard to develop for.

It's also a big loss to the potential launch lineup for PS3, especially given that SmackDown! has previously been exclusive to Sony consoles. Now the only way gamers can experience a next-gen SmackDown! this year is by getting hold of an Xbox 360.

July 24, 2006