PS3 is number one down-under says SCEA head

Mike Bantick
Saturday, 30 June 2007 09:46

Opinion and Analysis

Sony Computer Entertainment Australia head Michael Ephraim has analysed the latest sales figures for the PS3 locally and has declared the hefty black gaming console number one in the region.

Quoting figures from data trackers GfK in Australia, Ephraim tells us (via an interview with Gamespot AU )  that the 50,000 units moved since the PS3 launch March 23rd makes it number one next-gen gaming console.

Despite the Wii hitting 100,000 units sold since its own launch December 7th 2006, Ephraim basis his 'number one' call on a week by week basis; "Based on GfK since launch, PS3 has been the number one next-gen console, outselling Wii and Xbox 360 every week, except for last week," Ephraim said.

"Since March 23, PS3 has been the number one-selling next-gen console in Australia, and this is GfK figures. We've now sold 50,000--and we're very excited about the fact that it's being sold in retailers that are gaming retailers as a gaming device and other things, but as you'll notice it's now being sold in Harvey Norman consumer electronic stores as a Blu-ray player."

Not so much on iTWire, but on other forums, I copped a bit of a battering for my article on the PS3 focus.  Perhaps the shift from a simple gaming vision to a more holistic entertainment hub spotlight is where Sony should be pouring their effort. (read article here ).

Judging by Ephraim's final comment on PS3 sales above, it looks like this is Sony's thinking also.  More power to them, in marketing it is all about finding your niche and pounding away incessantly.