The European launch of the PlayStation 3 has been met by both cheers and indifference across the continent.

London saw the biggest turnout and all those that turned up for the midnight event also got a free HD TV to go with their new console, which cost Sony more than £250,000 for the London giveaway.

Microsoft welcomes Sony to the next generation and chides the electronics giant for being "late" because Microsoft has it Xbox 360 console launched in late 2005.