Sony dub Aussie PS3 launch a 'œdelightful success'

Mike Bantick
Friday, 23 March 2007 05:02

Your IT - Entertainment

AU$20 million worth of Sony PS3 product walks out of retail stores in Australia during the midnight launch.
The PS3 has come to the rest of the world, and a recent Sony press release has announced the success of the Australian launch to the world.  Over 500 retail outlets opened at midnight this morning to cope with the expected demand of pre-ordered PS3’s, associated HDMI cables and other PS3 peripherals.

Michael Ephraim Managing Director, SCE Aust, who was invited to the Myer Sydney City launch as a special guest, commented on the evening’s success: “It was a night for games and consumer electronics retailers to celebrate this new chapter in home entertainment. We are thrilled to see the PLAYSTATION 3 on sale at our retail partners across Australia. Today marks the first day in a long journey ahead for the PS3, which we believe will still have a place in the centre of the living room in ten years’ time.”  He said.

“There has been so much talk about our next generation console that it is exciting for us that the public now get to experience it for themselves and make up their own minds. The PS3 is a complete digital entertainment solution for the home and will change the way we share, view, hear and play with the digital content in our lives.”

The first PlayStation 3 purchaser in Sydney was Danny Zarka. At just past midnight, Danny was the first to purchase his PS3 from Myer CEO, Bernie Brookes, and Michael Ephraim,. “I feel very privileged to be the first to buy a PLAYSTATION 3 here tonight,” said an excited Danny. “If you love games and movies, why wouldn’t you buy a PLAYSTATION 3?”

There was further delight from Ephraim who went on to talk about Sony’s partners in delivering the new entertainment box to consumers; “Our retailer partners have always been very supportive of PlayStation and we are delighted that demand was so strong from consumers for the PS3 prior to launch, that many of them benefited from opening their stores at midnight. Following the reports on attendance that I have heard from our retailers, I am certain there will be a few tired PlayStation fans around the country this morning! I am also confident, going forward, that we have ensured there is enough stock in the country to keep up with ongoing demand from consumers, especially those who have not pre-ordered, but still want to purchase a PS3 as soon as possible,” he said.

The PS3 is now available in Australia at $999.95