Sony sells 1.2 million PS3s during holiday season in North America

James Delahunty
10 Jan 2008 1:57

Following a price cut, improved game line-up and availability of a lower priced model, Sony managed to move 1.2 million PS3 units in North America during the crucial holiday shopping season, providing a significant boost for the gaming platform and - Sony claims - the Blu-ray disc format. The PS3 rivals Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii in the multi-billion market for video game content.
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld console also had a decent holiday season with 1.4 million units snatched up by consumers. To remind us that the previous generation of gaming is still alive and well, the PlayStation 2 (PS2) was very popular during the holidays in North America also, managing to sell 1.3 million units.
Adding up the figures for the three common PlayStation-branded items; PS2, PS3 and PSP, you get a figure of 3.9 million unit sales in North America during the holiday season for the devices. Last year, the PS3's launch was negatively affected by a high price tag, lack of attractive games and of course, the consumers' fascination with Nintendo Wii and DS Lite.
"The PlayStation brand ended the year in a very strong position and clearly indicates more positive momentum going into 2008," said Jack Tretton, president and chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The strong PS3 sales also further establish Blu-ray's dominant position as the high-definition medium of choice for games and movies."
Source:
Google (Canadian Press)