CHIBA — Tokyo Game Show, one of the world's largest gaming events, opened Thursday with the participation of a record number of Japanese and overseas firms — an indication that the industry is ready to take advantage of a brisk market boosted by the popularity of Nintendo Co.'s Wii console and dual touch-screen DS portable machine.
Its main rivals, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Microsoft Corp., are meanwhile aiming to catch up with Nintendo and attract fans to their consoles by introducing more game titles at the four-day annual exhibition that opened at the Makuhari Messe convention center east of Tokyo.
A record 217 video game console manufacturers, game software makers, as well as gaming industry associations, including 97 from overseas, are here to show off their latest lineups before the Christmas shopping season, an important test for the firms as enthusiasts try out brand-new games before they go on sale.