Willamette Geek: Gran Turismo 5 Finally Has Ship Date

While many won't believe the following news about Gran Turismo 5 until the game is spinning in their PlayStation 3s, Sony has announced that the ultimate in home console racing simulators is finally getting a ship date: Nov. 24.

The fact that a "demo" version of this game that shipped more than two years ago (GT5 Prologue) has sold nearly 5 million copies makes it an understatement to say there's pent-up demand for this game.

So what are some of the goodies that the long wait will net you? More than 1,000 cars, 70 tracks, NASCAR, optional 3D, an actual damage model (for some of the cars), kart racing—and an excuse to give your loved ones when they catch you building a simulated racing cockpit out of two-by-fours and bailing wire instead of helping with Thanksgiving dinner.