Sony's U.S. shipments of the new PlayStation 2 are lagging diminished expectations, jeopardizing the company's ability to tap pent-up demand for the device, analysts said.
Because of problems making graphic chips, Sony in September lowered its shipment forecasts for PlayStation 2 to 500,000 units at the Oct. 26 introduction and 100,000 each week until the end of the year, for a total of 1.3 million units. The company now has shipped less than 700,000 units, short of the scheduled 900,000, analysts said.
The system, which plays both movies and games, is one of the most sought-after holiday gift items. Sony may alienate some consumers and retailers because of the short supply of the device. Software companies such as Electronic Arts that make games for the device are also likely to record fewer sales because of the slower-than-expected shipments.
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