There was a time when people would line up all night to get concert tickets due the limited amount available. Nowadays, people are lining up for video games.

It seems Sony’s Playstation 3 open platform could mean big things to come.

Sony executive Izumi Kawanishi mentioned,

“we’d like to see various individuals participate in content creation for the PS3″,

which could translate into an even bigger variety of game choices.

Sony’s new PS3 aims to compete with new features including the Blu-Ray high-definition DVD player and the Cell microchip, dubbed a “supercomputer on a chip”, which provides lifelike graphics and faster downloading of software and video clips.

Japan just released a mere 100,000 units, with people lining up overnight to be among the first to buy the console Saturday. Online pre-ordering began in October with sites like Amazon Japan, which old out in 20 minutes, Tsutaya Online sold out preorders in just 6 minutes. Tight supplies had been expected as Sony was able to ship only the 100,000 units in time for the launch after a glitch in blue laser diode production caused a delay.

Due to demand, Japanese auction sites have seen PS3’s go for as much as $1,100 - nearly twice as much as the sticker price.

The PS3 will be released in North America on November 17, with only 400,000 units available. Some people can’t wait for the PS3 lining up since November 11 outside Best Buy. One guy has postponed his engagement and diverted the funds for the ring to get his console, and another has called in sick (for 2 weeks?), and one even quit his job.

Main rivals Microsoft released its XBox 360 last year, and the highly anticipated Nintendo Wii is to be release just 2 days after the PS3.
The Euopean PS3 release is postponed until March 2007 due to delays in producing a key component used in the complex machine.