Toshiba, Sony and Sony Computer Entertainment announced a joint venture for the production of high-performance semiconductors, including chips for the PlayStation 3 entertainment system.

Sony announced that it will sell its microchip production facilities in western Japan to Toshiba for 90 billion yen ($835 million). This move fits Sony's overall strategy to focus on its core business. The production facilities will be used by the semiconductor joint venture to make high-performance chips that are both used in the PS3 and Toshiba's products.

The announcement on the selling price comes just after Toshiba announces to drop the HD DVD format. After being in war for three years, the two companies are now on a joint venture to provide each other with smart chips. Sometimes we consumers can't understand that these companies can fight on one front and unite on the other.