A lot of people are upset that GT5 isn't releasing this holiday.  Some have even gone on to say that SONY has forfeit what was a strong holiday just because GT5 is releasing in March.  I say it's a brilliant move by SONY.  With them releasing the slim console now, sales are going to be a lot stronger than they have been.  They're going to have another couple million consoles out before GT5 hits, which combats a lot of the negativity this site has had towards expected GT5 sales.  I also think theres a strong possibility that by March they could lower the cost of production of the PS3 even further, so the console sales boost from GT5 will have even more meaning than it would this holiday season.  A lot of people are saying GT5 won't sell as well as previous installments because of the low PS3 install base.  By time GT5 releases, however, there will be a couple million more consoles out than if they had released it this year.  On top of this, with GT5 and GOW3 releasing around the same time, SONY is almost ensuring strong (not amazing) console sales throughout almost the entire next year.

The slim will already sell a ton of consoles...but I think Uncharted has reached a level of acclaim that makes it able to possibly push consoles, and we all know FFXIII will push consoles (albeit probably for both MS and SONY, though I expect more for SONY due to Japan alone).  By spreading things out like this and still not pushing GT5 too far off (I know some of you die-hards are disappointed, but March isn't THAT long), I think they've basically ensured strong sales for quite some time.  Do you agree, or do you think SONY would have been smarter to just release it this holiday to push console sales sooner and 'destroy' (as some assumed it would) the holidays with an even stronger lineup?

This is all assuming GT5 does release in March, but I'm willing to bet almost anything that it will.

Also, what exclusives does MS have coming by the holidays that will push their sales of which now that GT5 isn't releasing may have more of an effect?  I haven't been hearing of much, but I know some stuff has to be coming.

Discuss! 

SONY did the right THING also, after they thought it....=P

I disagree. But I do so without logic. I could care less if the decision is a good business decision. They've had me waiting for years to play this game. Stop giving me fucking hope then delaying the damn game. They did this exact same thing with GT4. Delay after delay after delay. Releasing it right now would have put it in perfect position to be one of the best selling games this holiday. I guess they did not have the guts to compete with Forza 3 and Modern Warfare 2. Honestly, screw you Sony for doing this to your user base.

It hasn't been delayed, march 2010 is the first date anounced.

@perpride
Saying they didn't 'have the guts to compete with Forza 3 and Modern Warfare 2' is an extremely silly statement. I highly doubt they're worried about Forza 3, as good of a game as it will be, it would lose sales to GT5, not the other way around. If anyone is happy about that, it's Microsoft. MW2 doesn't compete with GT5, I don't see either taking sales from one another. Don't let your anger get the best of you. I really wanted this game this holiday as well, but I'd rather it be as close to perfection as possible. You can't rush that kind of thing=P

well i think they made the right thing, cause they should give people some time to buy GT PSP.
releasing both in the same year is stupid.

I would have disagree some days ago but perhaps, yes, that was the good thing to do :

- Uncharted is going to be bigger than expected (review/sales)

- Forza3 hype train is slowing down (bullshot back effect)

so, after, GT5 not this year is not so much important for Sony

It was delayed. Internet rumors are facts.

there is no guys on the internets!

@Phrancheyez - I did not mean that they were afraid Forza would outsell GT. I just think they'd rather not have they're game come out at the exact same time as the competitions driving simulator. MW2 may be in a different genre as GT and Forza, but it will still hog a nice chunk of HD game sales this holiday.

It is sad to see just how much lost potential this holiday season has. 2008 holiday was the best holiday in a LONG TIME. This year, everyone's backing up because of MW2, a game that I will not even rent.