Sony hits sales record for new games console
SONY racked up more than 1m PlayStation 4 (PS4) sales in just 24 hours following its US and Canadian launch on Friday.
The fast-selling console puts Sony on track to hit its target of 3m sales by the end of the financial year, and 5m PlayStation 4’s sold by March.
“Sales remain very strong in North America, and we expect continued enthusiasm as we launch the PlayStation 4 in Europe and Latin America on 29 November,” said Sony Computer Entertainment group chief executive Andrew House. “We are extremely grateful for the passion of PlayStation fans and thank them for their continued support.”
The console’s release in Europe and Latin America at the end of the month is expected to drive sales as Sony gears up for the key Christmas period.
“PS4 was designed with an unwavering commitment to gamers, and we are thrilled that consumer reaction has been so phenomenal,” added House.
Sony’s launch precedes the release of Microsoft’s rival next generation console, the Xbox One, which launches in Europe, America and Australia on Friday. However, its sales are not expected to be so brisk.
IHS head of games research Piers Harding-Rolls expects Sony’s PlayStation 4 to hit sales of 49m over the next five years, while Microsoft’s Xbox One is expected to trail with around 38m. “Sony’s wider geographical brand allegiance – especially across continental Europe and Japan – will be decisive in allowing PS4 to outsell Xbox One on a global basis by the end of 2017,” he said.
The PlayStation 4 will cost £349 and will launch in 35 markets this holiday season, while Microsoft’s Xbox One will retail for £429 and will only reach 11 markets this holiday.