Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo get ready to rumble

The $30 billion video game industry's own war of the titans reboots this week with the U.S. launch of Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 3 on Friday and the debut of Nintendo Co. Ltd.'s Wii on Sunday.

A limited supply, delayed debut and drop in the number of games built exclusively for the new PS3 could choke market leader Sony's quest for mainstream hearts and dollars until after the crucial holiday season, a far different scenario from the last console battle when Sony beat key rivals to market.

"It's a significantly more competitive market this time," said Yankee Group video game analyst Michael Goodman, adding that many parents are not brand loyal and will not let Christmas pass without a console for the gamer on their list.
Initial supplies of the PS3 are expected to quickly evaporate and Goodman and others expect Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O) and its one-year-old Xbox 360 to be the main beneficiary of the resulting spill-over in demand.