CHIBA, Japan -- Video game rivals Sony and Microsoft are going head-to-head in virtual worlds for their home consoles later this year.
Both companies announced their services, which use graphic images that represent players called "avatars," Thursday at the Tokyo Game Show.
Sony Corp.'s twice delayed online "Home" virtual world for the PlayStation 3 console will be available sometime later this year, while U.S. software maker Microsoft Corp., which competes with its Xbox 360, is starting "New Xbox Experience" worldwide Nov. 19.
