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Playstation 2 Sales - Latest figures
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., the Tokyo-based parent company of its North American division Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc., announced that as of May 5, 2002,
cumulative worldwide shipments of its PlayStation 2 computer
entertainment system reached 30 million units. The following is the
breakdown of the Playstation 2 sales.
The current PlayStation 2 sales have reached unparalleled levels in North America and abroad, further widening the gap between the competition. International demand for PlayStation 2 has been unwavering since its launch, with sales significantly spiking even as competitive consoles entered the market. Due to the accelerated growth of the PlayStation 2 sales, the company clearly has solidified its leadership position for the foreseeable future. "PlayStation has delivered on its entertainment promise to consumers, and, in turn, our growing loyal fan base continues to propel the platform to unprecedented heights," said Kaz Hirai, president and chief operating officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "Even after a pivotal year for the gaming industry in 2001, we remain confident about our opportunities for continued growth. As an illustration of the demand for PlayStation 2, we announced in February 2002 that the company had shipped 26 million units worldwide. Now, as of May 5, 2002, just three months later, we have shipped 30 million units worldwide." The company is preparing to announce some new business developments - hardware, software and broadband related -- at the industry's annual tradeshow, Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), May 22-24, 2002, in Los Angeles.
Comment
Did Sony say... "new business developments"? Will they give in and follow's Microsofts threat of lowering their Xbox price? With the Playstation3 a long time away (earliest launch: 2005), a PS2 price reduction that comes too early could cost Sony dearly, leaving little headroom to manouvre in for the next years. Speculations were heard that Microsoft's success with their agressive price reduction campaign could be repeated in the U.S., and may turn the tide in Microsoft's favor. Until recently, Sony's stance had been that they believe the Playstation 2 is reasonably priced and they were not planning to reduce the price of the console in the near future. However, on May 15th, the Playstation 2 price dropped to $199, preempting Microsoft's anticipated move to drop the Xbox price to $199. Although Nintendo had originally planned to follow Sony if they were to drop the Playstation 2 price, they decided to stay at their original price of $199 for the Gamecube. All consoles are now equally priced, and the winner will be the system with the most and/or best games. At the present time, especially in the light of continually good Playstation 2 sales, all signs point to Sony. Update June 2002. Sony HAS reduced the price. The Playstation 2 price and Xbox price are now both $199.99. Nintendo did follow suit and now offers the Gamecube console for $149.99. ©2002 The Playstation Reporter |  | ||||||||||
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