Sony has coughed to the real reason for the delay behind the release of the PlayStation 2. It's nothing to do with hardware, it's nothing to do with software, it's nothing to do with chips. Instead, it's everything to do with shoolwork. According to a report in today's Times, Sony executive Ken Kutaragi told the press at the PlayStation 2's launch that since Japanese schoolkids have to face a stack of exams in January and February, the company would hate to duff up their results by getting them playing games instead of revising. As a parent of two, a straight-faced Kutaragi said he "would hate to tempt millions of children to neglect their revision". And he's dead serious of course. Just think, after all those swotty sproggs bring home top-notch grades, proud parents will be able to immediately rush out and spend their yen on brand new PlayStation 2 prizes... A canny lot, these Sony types. ®