I think that the Holiday Quarter with the massive softeware launches and the rest of the Halo 3 bump will make them profitable.
I don't know why everyone is assuming they are making all kinds of money off the consoles now. They were still losing money until the die shrink and then they drop prices and bundled games. The die shrink affected the CPU but not GPU so the added/redesigned cooling system is still their. They are pushing hard to shirk to 45 for CPU and the GPU to 65. I say at best they are breaking even.
1st quarter next year will be at a loss though, and it sales hit the same duldrums like they did this year it could be until next Holidays to push software high enough for profit. The console will keep getting cheaper but with added PS3 pressure we could see a price drop wipe out the GTAIV monies. When to they pay for that exclusive content. I am guessing with the release of the game which will also hurt profitability in the short term.
Don't forget that they are also going to start spending serious money developing the next-gen console soon. Probably next year if they want it to arrive in 2011-12.
I think 2009 will be all profit.
So to sum up. Two quarters of profit, 3 of loss, then profit until 1-2 quaters before launch of next system.
Final* Word on Game Delays:
The game will not be any better or include more content then planned. Any commnets that say so are just PR hogwash to make you feel better for having to wait.
Delays are due to lack of proper resources, skill, or adequate planning by the developer.
Do be thankful that they have enough respect for you to delay the game and maintain its intended level of quality.
*naznatips is exempt
