40GB PlayStation 3 spurs UK sales spike

Mike Bantick
Wednesday, 17 October 2007 04:34

Opinion and Analysis

The recent PAL region release of the 40GB PS3 seems to be paying off for Sony

Chart Track in the UK are reporting a 178% spike in PS3 sales, siting last week as the third biggest week in sales ever for the console, beaten only by the first two weeks of the PS3 release.

Given the UK was one of the most successful launches for the new platform this is encouraging news for Sony.

PS3 exclusive titles also faired well in the charts with launch titles Resistance: Fall of man climbing up from 22 to 8 and MotorStorm jumping from 23 to 18.  Recent release Heavenly Sword moved back up to number 14 in the software charts.

Given that this PS3 has no backwards compatibility with PS2 titles, a third less hard drive space, no memory card reader and two less USB ports (now two), it is reasonably to confirm that price has been the chief reason for subdued sales.

I guess that answers my earlier question regarding ‘will it sell ?’   Interestingly, a quick roam around local electronic retailers showed the new 40GB PS3 being displayed prominently.  With a price ranging from AU$643 to AU$699, down from the originals AU$999.

I cannot help thinking that for some less informed consumers; they are simply seeing the price drop and not fully understanding the difference in SKU..  Still if they are happily playing PS3 games, and –more importantly for Sony – purchasing Blu-ray movies, then all is right with the world.