Sony claims PS3 sales exceeding expectations – shortages on way?
Most of us would agree that the PS3 is not achieving what it possibly could have at this stage of its life. But Sony seems happy with how things are going, and is even predicting some shortages over the upcoming holiday 2008 season.
As someone on the very periphery of the games industry, I feel that the PS3 has so far underperformed. Here is the most powerful games console to ever have been made (apart from a high-end gaming PC) and it is currently failing to achieve its obvious potential.
The most obvious example of this is in terms of sales: the PS3 is being soundly beaten by the Wii, a cheap, technically inferior Nintendo console. In addition, it’s only just holding its own against the also under-performing Xbox 360.
Then there are the games, which while good enough, haven’t really pushed the envelope in any real sense. Apart from Metal Gear Solid 4 which was graphically astounding, and the forthcoming LittleBigPlanet, which promises innovation, I have wholly failed to be blown away by any software on the Sony machine.
But Sony seems perfectly happy with how things are going. In fact, it is so happy that according to Reuters, Jack Tretton, Chief Executive of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, was able to declare sales are around 30% better than the company had initially hoped for. Which shows that if you set your sights low, you cannot fail to do anything other than succeed.
Sony originally hoped to hit a 10 million unit sales target by March 2009, the end of the fiscal year. But Tretton claims that sales are high enough to mean the target will be hit even if this holiday season turns out to be a duffer due to the current financial crisis. He said:
We are in good shape for that number worldwide. We are tracking at 100 percent up over last year … about 30 percent ahead of where we should be. So sales could slow down and we will still hit our number.
I’d say we are able to meet somewhere between 80-90 percent demand, based on how things are trending.
I think people are going to question every dollar that they spend, but they are going to look for value in return, he said. The entertainment value … with PlayStation 3 compares very favorably to other entertainment choices.
While I agree that the PS3 is a nice purchase, it’s also by far the most expensive one that any consumer looking to enter this generation of consoles could make. The Wii is dirt cheap and now pretty much available everywhere after the initial shortage problem has died down, and since those across-the-board price cuts, the Xbox 360 has also now entered the pricing sweet spot.
But even selling in the numbers that the PS3 is managing, Sony still thinks it’ll be struggling to fulfil all of the demand this Christmas. Which is just bizarre.
Sony may be happy with how the PS3 is currently doing, but the console will have to do a lot better than it currently is in order to repeat the phenomenal success that was enjoyed by the PS2. Not only in sales either, but also in terms of must-have games and potential.
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40 Responses to “Sony claims PS3 sales exceeding expectations – shortages on way?”
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October 4th, 2008
I think sony have the right frame of mind, they’re not in a mindless price cut war. They will suffer obviously, but its the only strategy, sony are consolidating they’re position and trying to make the ps3 cheaper.
I dont think its in sonys interests to actually sell more at a cheaper price, i think they would actually lose more money. Sony is trying to make a profit. Game writers like you dave parrack and other people not educated in economics would rush and panic, OMG XBOX SALES pwn PS3! sony better drop prices quick!
Its true sony is underperforming and is not 1st, but so what? as long as the ps3 can be a viable investment for sony to make the ps4 im happy. Clearly nintendo has taken the batton from sony, but sony has been market leader for almost 10 years! no company is infallible, sony made mistakes! they’re dealing with the consequences.
I still believe sony can be 2nd this gen, beating nintendo does not seem realistic, unless the wii is a fad, which is not true as the wii is continuing to buck the trend, the wii is no fad its a cash cow
October 4th, 2008
No Dave, even with the recent miniscule price cuts an X360 still costs as much or more for a comparable system, and a LOT more to upgrade plus you have not the “home entertainment” aspect that only PS3 offers. People can down Sony all they want for including Blu-ray, but it was clearly in their strategy and overall an winning inclusion to Sony’s big picture (which is more than JUST gaming!).
October 4th, 2008
The writer of this “article” is a complete tool. You’re showing the world the worst part about the internet. Any schmuck with a computer and an opinion can write an article no matter how juvenile they may be.
Sony and the PS3 are doing just fine. A year or 2 from now the XBroke will be history and MS will be scrambling to put out another new console.
The Wii is a fad, granted it is a well performing fad so far, but it will die off once you start seeing all the ones that never get used showing up on eBay for less than $100. Nintendo rolled the dice and it is paying off for them. They should be congratulated. Good for them.
Enlighten us as to why that means every other console and manufacturer should be trashed at every opportunity by morons like you?
As for games, the PS3 has plenty of good games and exclusivity shouldn’t be a prerequisite. It is well documented and well understood by anyone with a speck of common sense that it takes 2 to 4 years for developers to learn how to get the most out of a new console. The track record on that with past consoles is well established. Are you too ignorant to comprehend that?
October 4th, 2008
I’m really tired of people being so biased against the PS3. Seriously, the PS3 is an amazing machine, and there are some truly great games out for it. It has just as many if not more great games as the 360, and is expanding its catalog quickly. I still think there is plenty of room for 2 consoles in the top. The Wii is a fad and will sell tons of consoles but no games (as is already being shown).
October 4th, 2008
Breaking out the ‘xbroke’ line turned your post into piles of fail.
@Darth : I understand where you’re coming from buddy, but soon or later you gonna have to take that plunge!
At the moment, if you don’t own a 360, there are plenty of nice games you won’t find on wii and pc (well, some have been ported, but i always find console-> PC ports are inferior). As for the PS3 itself, well you’re probably correct there. MGS4, WipEout HD, and pixeljunk monsters are about all I can think of atm.
October 4th, 2008
Where did those other 2 posts go…
October 4th, 2008
In the end PS3 will be again the #1 the CEO of Video Games.
October 4th, 2008
DarthGamer, there are many games for the PS3
Current PS3 Exclusives:
Folklore
Heavenly Sword
Metal Gear Solid
Motorstorm
Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction
Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty
Resistance: Fall of Man
Siren: Blood Curse
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune
Warhawk
Wipeout HD
Future Exclusives:
Final Fantasy versus 13
God of War 3
Gran Turismo 5
Heavy Rain
inFamous
Killzone 2
Little Big Planet
MAG: Massive Action Game
Motorstorm: Pacific Rift
SOCOM: US Navy Seals Confrontation
Resistance 2
October 4th, 2008
one more thing.
(Warning Sony Defence Force Rant!)
I went to a recent expo called rage in south africa, i got to see gears 2 multiplayer, banjo and kazooiie and fable 2, no offence im sure they’re excellent but those games dont seem to get me excited about playing any of them. I was pumped for gears2 though but the multiplayer looks 90% identical to gears.
i know sony promises alot, but i like they’re goals. They strive for the sun, while microsoft strives for the moon. I know its arrogant but i feel its true just playing wipeout hd this weekend restored my confidence in the sony way. I know it feels as though sony is shoving tech down ur throat. But if sony doesn’t who will? Man if sony had their way we would be all be driving wipeout ships by now!!! but instead the world strives for mediocrity and obesity.
Ok well thats my rant for the day. and yes i am wipeout whipped. I am wipeouts bitch
October 4th, 2008
Sony is gonna destroy Microsoft argument over…………………………………………..
October 4th, 2008
hahahaha ‘shortages’ is just an admission that they’re going to get smashed this Christmas. They’ve had all year to ramp up production, what makes them think they’re going to have shortages?
October 4th, 2008
@Strife WipEout owns
Can’t wait for Fable 2 tho
(gears & banjo don’t interest me tho – mite try banjo tho, see if it still has its charm 
)
October 4th, 2008
Harry just kill yourself… You such ignorant fool. You don’t even know what the word business means. They (PLAYSTATION 3) had been crushing Xbox 360 since January except this three weeks big deal. All Xbox 360 has to keep the war going is FABLE II Gears of War 2 and basically those are the only hit they got LMFAO.
October 4th, 2008
@ Ivan, I don’t take anything seriously on this website, and that triples when it comes from you.
I think some other posters are right, you’re not a blind fanboy, you’re just some smart arse poster who wants to rile others up with inane and uneducated posts. If so, kudos for you, you had me fooled for a while.
October 5th, 2008
I am obsessed with this “war”. I will cry myself to sleep the day I realise that sony won’t win this “war” and by winning this “war” sony or I in fact, don’t actually recieve anything.
In fact, if I could afford to buy hundreds of thousands of PS3′s I would, just to see that my console of choice has the highest sales figures.
October 5th, 2008
The auhthor is of this lies is… harry sachz
# Ivan_PSP:
October 5th, 2008
I am obsessed with this “warâ€. I will cry myself to sleep the day I realize that Sony won’t win this “war†and by winning this “war†Sony or I in fact, don’t actually receive anything.
In fact, if I could afford to buy hundreds of thousands of PS3’s I would, just to see that my console of choice has the highest sales figures.
harry sachz is a poser and and as you can see a bad one.
Sony will always win because. True technology trumps everything.
October 5th, 2008
The Author was the bitch aka Xbox dick rider harry sachz.
harry sachz is bitter because he has never had a girlfriend or a life or Xbox. He has never seen sun light or water.
October 5th, 2008
@Harry – I’ve thought the same thing for a looooong time
October 5th, 2008
stop stealing names.
October 5th, 2008
“In addition, it’s only just holding its own against the also under-performing Xbox 360.” -
nice job fanboy.
the 360 is crushing the ps3 in two of the largest markets and even outselling the ps3 in japan for the last 3 weeks.
btw; how is the 360 “underperforming”? what data did you use to come to this conclusion.
it’s hilarious you lap up and news from sony as fact, yet ignore reality.
thanks for proving your ignorance once again DaveP. you’re a credit to the prebuscent ps3 fanbase… lol…
October 5th, 2008
“As someone on the very periphery of the games industry” – i’m sorry, i couldn’t let this one go.
so far, Davep, you’ve been more wrong than right..
i guess if you call yourself something it MUST be true.
good gawd…. you are the biggest fanboy i have ever seen on the ‘net…. congrats you ignorant noob….
October 5th, 2008
Aww bless, Sony are trying to create a false demand for the PS3 by promissing shortages – oh my, better rush out know and buy one, because Sony said there would be a shortage (note the sarcasm in my voice!). Isn’t it funny how every sentance from Sony & their fans is written in the future tense: it will next year … there will soon be…. overt he next few years… Sony is going to destroy…
Can we please start seeing some results NOW?? Until then it is nothing but posturing and empty threats and promises.
October 5th, 2008
@Victor:
However, the problem lies that from that list, there’s only 3 games I’m really interested at:
Heavy Rain
Metal Gear Solid
and perhaps God of War 3. I might add RE 5 if it’s not ported to the PC, so that would make 4 reasons, still need 6 more to justify the investment.
October 5th, 2008
The PS3 (to-date) has underperformed. PS3 & Xbox games are identical, why hasn’t Sony showed how superior their console is? – Perhaps because after all the talk, the PS3 isn’t that great and is not better or worse than the Xbox 360.
@Ivan_PSP “True technology trumps everything” – Not true, just look at Betamax & Atari Jaguar!
October 5th, 2008
SW I think it’s true. Nobody can be as staunchly blind as he is pretending to be….ever.
October 5th, 2008
It isn’t hard to exceed expectations when you’ve come to the point where you aren’t expecting to sell anything.
October 6th, 2008
Xbox ha made it to the list of the worst gaming console ever made. I want a PS3 badly because LittleBigPlanet and SOCOM.
October 6th, 2008
harry sachz:
I thought you only had love for Xbox 360 oh well i guess i was wrong. Me too i love SOCOM is true is the best online third person shooter ever made. Xbox is going down.
October 6th, 2008
AAA games (Metacritic 90% or higher):
Xbox 360 – 15
PS3 – 5
Games rated 80% or above:
Xbox 360 – 113
PS3 – 68
Total games available:
Xbox 360 – 476
PS3 – 214
Now how can anyone say the PS3 has more games and better games?
October 6th, 2008
LoL numbers i rather have real facts.
October 6th, 2008
Ivan those were the facts. Your the only one ignoring them. Wake up buddy and smell the 360′s
October 6th, 2008
Ivan you are a F#!@ing idiot.
I wish I met you in an ally.
You have to be playing because no one can be that stupid.
“LoL numbers i rather have real facts.” What a retarded comment.
October 6th, 2008
The PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii are all selling good. Some better then others but all are selling well enough to make it worthwhile.
PS3 will never mimic the PS2 but will do well on it’s own.
The gaming industry is doing unbelievably well (thanks to the Wii LOL).
I own a wii and am looking to get the PS3. I’m just waiting for the Home app.
Just because the PS3 didn’t win the Fanboy War doesn’t mean it will go out of business.
I’m happy to own more than one consol. I still have my Xbox with plenty of games.
October 6th, 2008
I think the PS3 might be exceeding expections by Sony, and not because they purposely set those expectations low. Remember, the PS3 was the most expensive console sold to this point. They must have expected lower sales due to that fact alone.
Secondly, who would have thought that consumers would be throwing this kind of money at this generation of gaming consoles. With the hefty price I’m sure that Sony was hoping that would happen, but I’m sure it’s still a pleasant suprise at how much the gaming industry is taking in right now. If Sony had sold this many consoles this early in any other generation would people call it a failure?
October 6th, 2008
I know this might sound crazy, but here me out.
Do you think that gaming is doing so well due to the worlds money woes?
It sounds crazy, but I wonder if people aren’t buying Wii’s, or one of the other two consoles so that they have entertainment at home. It saves them in the long run from having to go out for entertainment. I really think this may have brought more casual gamers out of the woodwork this generation. If you think about prices of gas, movies, restaurants, alcohol establishments, you name it, it’s expensive. I am just saying, maybe it’s not that crazy of a thought!
October 7th, 2008
Why is it that almost every Xbox 360 owner with the exception of me of course always retaliates with bad words. Can you people ever comment with a decent argument instead of bitterness and hate. That’s why i hardly defend my Xbox love because of idiots like the one here.
Oh and when you hate someone a lot because he/she is writing great arguments. It means you are an ignorant. I wonder how many people will still be talking trash next year when there’s just two competitor left in the console war.
October 7th, 2008
Ivan,
That was so SO close to a literate post. Keep at it, you’re getting better! Just don’t pretend like you like the Xbox, that’ll just make everyone hate you more.
-Arvis
October 7th, 2008
Wow LMFAO. Well i do like Xbox 360 since my model has never ever had Red Light of Death. Also the reason i hardly say anything good about Xbox 360 is because America’s biased towards it. If you go into EBGames or Gamestop you always see them talking trash about PS3. And about %99 of all EBGames and Gamestop employee don’t know shit about games. And Sony has proven that it can deliver high quality software and hardware on a must have price. I don’t have to pretend i like Xbox or PS3. My favorite console non of them. PSP is my gaming dream, i love PSP.
October 7th, 2008
haha Chris
October 8th, 2008
Harry,
You don’t miss a thing, do you? Creep.
- “ARVIS”, you bastard