CHIBA, Japan (Reuters) - Sony Corp said on Thursday it would postpone the launch of the “Home” virtual community service for its PlayStation 3 game console to early next year, the latest setback in its videogame battle with Microsoft Corp and Nintendo Co Ltd.

The 3D “Home” online service, in which players can create and “own” characters and content, was originally scheduled for launch this autumn.

Sony Computer Entertainment, the video game unit of Sony, said it was postponing the launch to improve product quality.

“This is going to be a worldwide service that needs to offer a wide range of functions required in Japan, in the U.S., in Europe and in Asia,” Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) Chief Executive Kazuo Hirai said in a keynote speech at the Tokyo Game Show 2007.

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