...As a result of problems related to the mass production of a key component of its Blu-ray DVD player, Sony (SNE) will delay the European launch of its next generation video game console, the PlayStation 3 (PS3). Sony will also reduce the number of PS3 units immediately available in both the U.S. and Japan.

In the U.S., the PS3 will launch on November 17th, with approximately 400,000 consoles available for sale. The U.S. launch will come almost a week after the Japanese launch which will consist of merely 100,000 units.

Sony's PlayStation 3 is the successor to the PlayStation 2, the world's most popular (and as recently as July, the world's best selling) video game console.

The Number That Really Matters

The fact that there will only be 400,000 PS3 units available for sale in the United States on November 17th is totally unimportant. The launch date itself is unimportant. What matters is how many units will be available for sale in mid to late December.

Sony claims it will have 1 million to 1.2 million consoles available for sale by December 31st. I think it's safe to assume they don't plan to have many arrive between December 26th and December 31st. So, let's assume there will be at least a million PS3 consoles available for sale in the U.S. by Christmas.

Will that be enough to put a PlayStation in the living room of every household that wants one?

No. There will almost certainly be many people who have to go without a PS3 for Christmas, despite being willing to pay the very high price Sony is asking. But, that's nothing new. Other consoles (including the Xbox 360) have been launched without an adequate number of units immediately available for sale.

This isn't like failing to get enough Glad trash bags on store shelves. Once the console has launched, limited availability shouldn't cause many people to switch their planned purchase. If they want it and it's out, they'll wait for it.

A delay is much worse than a mere shortage. There's a promise (and a tangible product) behind a console that has already launched. So, very few people in the U.S. or Japan who planned to buy a PS3 are likely to change their minds because of a Christmas shortage no matter how severe.

The Things That Really Matter

The success of any gaming platform is largely based on five factors:

Available Titles

Relative Launch Date

Price

Predecessor's Installed Base

Technology

Of these five, technology is by far the least important factor. The four most important factors (available titles, relative launch date, price, and predecessor's installed base) are difficult to separate. Clearly, having a predecessor with a large installed base (such as the PS2) can be tremendously beneficial, if you get satisfactory marks in the other three areas (titles, launch date, and price).

Predecessor's Installed Base

The PlayStation 3 dominates when it comes to having a predecessor with a large installed base. So, how does it score in the other three areas?

In terms of available titles, the PS3 scores as well as any of its competitors, if not better. However, none of the three consoles (Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii) does very well in this regard. Unfortunately, the titles are likely to be somewhat segregated by console. There will be quality games on each system; but, almost no one will buy all three. Simply put, there will be some games exclusive to each console that a lot of people would really love...more

online video Game Rentals New PS3 and Xbox 360 Rentals Improve Game Rental Market

... the next generation system is released.

Only time will tell as to which vendor will likely carry the most video games out of the two, but one thing is for sure, PS3 and Xbox 360 will likely put the video game rental industry back in black for many more years to come.

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Nintendo Wii - Who Loves The Nintendo Wii?

...>Nintendo Wii consoles are also hugely sought after as gift items. Last Christmas, there were shortages of Wii consoles in the stores everywhere, as well as online. Many kids and grandparents were disappointed.

For those who are lucky to own a Wii console face the joy of choosing exciting games. Gamers can play them by choosing various skill levels and challenges. They also have the task of buying extra accessories such as extra controllers and handsets, and the charger and rechargeable bat...more

Introduction to the Playstation 3 (PS3)

...f the store. Only to have left empty handed within minutes because of thieves. Also, the number of break-ins that are taking place around the Nation of electronics stores is unimaginable. In most cases, all that was taken was the stock of Playstation 3 consoles. This all seems a bit harsh to me, but it is happening.

So, what is included with the Playstation 3 console? Firstly, it incorporates outstanding memory capabilities. You are able to play games on it as well as watch your favourite movies. The games for Playstation 1 & 2 are intended to work on the Playstation 3 Console, and you will be able to experience high definition on them. The Playstation 3 is reported to be the most powerful video games console on the market at present; its twice the power of the Xbox. It has also be designed to be 35 times more powerful than its predecessor, the Playstation 2.

An additional b...more

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