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Game consoles release already stirring market

With the holiday season only a couple of months away, the game console industry is heating up again. Two chain stores, GameStop and EB Games, have begun accepting pre-orders for Sony`s PlayStation 3 on Tuesday. Traditionally, the game consoles are the hottest gadget to sell during the holidays, and this year is expected to be no different. Sony`s new model will be sold in two versions, for $499 and $599. A pre-order requires a deposit of $100.

Even with a deposit and a pre-order, delivery is not guaranteed. Although the consoles will go on sale and be available November 17, the date might change and the stores will have no control over production and shipping. However, due to "extremely limited supply," the stores expect their move to find eager shoppers positive response. Sony Corp. has said it plans to ship 2 million units by the end of the year. The two retailers that now accept pre-orders have over 4,400 outlets.

Sony`s game console will not be the only gadget selling strong this holiday season. Although pre-orders are not available yet, Nintendo Corp. is also planned to release its Wii console. The date for the release of this highly anticipated gadget is set for November 19.