Sony PlayStation Delays Cost Some, Help Microsoft
The big news for many people today was the announcement overnight in Japan that Sony would launch Play Station 3 worldwide in November, rather than the previously scheduled spring launch (although recent rumors had called for an even later launch). This has implications for game makers and marks a small victory for Microsoft, whose Xbox will have a full-year lead and far more available titles during the next holiday shopping season. Sony blames the delay partly on their desire to add a Blu-ray disk, possibly repeating their Betamax misstep.
Morgan Stanley expects the PS3 to cost about $750 per unit. This is more than most estimates had previously considered. Sony shares were down in Japan due to both the delay and the higher initial loss expectations.
More on the story at CNet
Digit serves up a twofer, with that story plus one on Sony’s appeal of a copyright case. Key quote: “If the company loses that appeal, it will have to pay a US$90 million fine and buy a licence (sic) for the technology, or else stop selling the console, a force feedback control and some game titles.”
Disclosure: Author is long IShares MSCI Japan Index (EWJ) at time of publication.
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