Sony has announced its next-generation gaming console - the PlayStation 4 - at an event in New York.
The firm said that the machine would offer a more "personalised experience".
A successful launch might drive sales of the firm's new televisions and other consumer electronics, helping turn around its fortunes.
Sony posted a 456.7bn yen loss ($4.9bn; £3.2bn) in its last financial year, marking the fourth year it ended in deficit.
But the firm has forecast a 20bn yen profit for the current financial year ending in March.
PC-based chip
Sony described the machine as being like a "supercharged" PC .
It runs off an x86-based CPU (central processing unit) - similar architecture to that found in most desktop computers - and an "enhanced" PC GPU (graphics processing unit).
It comes with the new DualShock 4 controller, which includes a touchpad, a "share button" and a lightbar, which allows a separate camera to track its movement.
The PlayStation 3 was initially sold at a loss, so if that practice is repeated with the new model its launch may initially put fresh strain on the firm's finances.
Even so, one analyst suggested that Sony would be willing to take the pain to maximise early demand.
"Without the established user base and community of PS3 and PlayStation Network, Sony would be without a significant home entertainment foothold allowing it to connect many of its other consumer electronic devices, products and services," said Piers Harding-Rolls, head of games at IHS Screen Digest.
"Sony's next generation device is likely to take on more importance not less."
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