Do we have midnight launches for new Blu-ray disc players? Is there supposed to be a party with radio personalities when a new media center hits the market? No, then why did we expect much more from the Sony launch of their new entertainment hub?
Many web sites, including the respected game bloggers at Kotaku, gave tongue-in-cheek reports of the Friday midnight PAL launch of the PS3, the lack of people turning up to the flagship launch was indeed embarrassing for Sony, this was to be the hype starter for a media bombardment foisting new technology into the hearts and wallets of a new gaming generation.
In the UK the PS3 launch was met with trepidation amongst authorities, with police banning the midnight openings at some retailers, and Sony giving away 46" HD TVs in oxford street to surprisingly sparse crowds.
It would seem the launch has flopped, as my collegue Stan points out, in this country other than the initial pre-orders, sales of the PS3 are a fizzer. In fact a quick ring around of retailers in the busy Melbourne CBD today indicated no shortage of stock, and sales people ready to deal. A flop? Or good stock planning on behalf of Sony?
Even Microsoft has taken the opportunity to put a few barbs in with Neil Thompson, Microsofts Regional director for UK and Irleand recently quoted; "In the technology and gaming there's really little in the PS3 where I can say, 'Gosh, I wish we had that'," Thompson said "The biggest threat that Sony has for us is the brand that's been established around it." Microsoft are feeling so calm about the situation, that no price cut is evident for the Xbox 360 in the short to medium term, Although the new Black Xbox 360 on the horizon will boost appeal as well.
PS3 PAL launch - a flop or not?
There has been a lot of talk about the Sony Playstation 3 launch. Much of the focus has been on the especially embarrassing Australian launch, where reportedly the press outnumbered the fans. But really, should Sony be concerned?
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Mike Bantick
Having failed to grow up Bantick continues to pursue his childish passions for creative writing, interactive entertainment and showing-off through adulthood. In 1994 Bantick began doing radio at Melbourne’s 102.7 3RRRFM, in 1997 transferring to become a core member of the technology show Byte Into It. In 2003 he wrote briefly for the The Age newspaper’s Green Guide, providing video game reviews. In 2004 Bantick wrote the news section of PC GameZone magazine. Since 2006 Bantick has provided gaming and tech lifestyle stories for iTWire.com, including interviews and opinion in the RadioactivIT section.
