New Zealand continues to live up to its status as the “PlayStation Nation” with thousands of Kiwis likely to put a PlayStation at the top of their Christmas lists.
According to independent market tracker GfK, since the launch of PlayStation 3 in March, 68,434 PlayStation-branded consoles have been sold as of the end of November. PS2 dominates overall, PS3 dominated the current-gen category since launch, and PSP dominates handheld category.
The three consoles claimed the number one, two, and three spots for November gaming console sales respectively.
Warwick Light, General Manager Sales and Marketing Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand, comments: “Less than a year after launch, the PlayStation has been embraced by serious gamers and home entertainment enthusiasts alike, making the PS3 the top selling ‘next generation’ console in November 2007. In fact, since its
launch on 23 March 2007, the PS3 has been the top selling 'next generation' console overall, selling 15,172 units."
Despite this being the first Christmas that all new-generation consoles have been in the market, the most popular console to buy in New Zealand continues to be the PlayStation 2, leading the way with 3,926 units sold in November alone.
“The PS2 is the perfect family entertainment solution. It’s unbelievable value and has a fantastic line up of social, multiplayer games and great value console bundles such as Buzz!:The Hollywood Quiz, SingStar R & B, and Buzz! Junior: Monster Rumble that everyone can play together and enjoy,” Light says.
Completing the clean sweep, the PlayStation Portable was not only the most popular portable gaming console but the second most popular console overall. Sales of the PSP were boosted with the launch of the new PSP Slim & Lite and the limited edition Simpson’s PSP bundles.
Mr Light expects that December will be a great month to be a gamer: “With three great consoles in the market and an exciting line-up of games that will keep everyone busy through the rainiest of summers, there has never been a better time for fans and new comers alike.”
PlayStation sales for November:
- * PlayStation 2 - 3,926 units
* PlayStation Portable - 2,612 units
* PlayStation 3 - 1,831 units
PlayStation sales since March 23rd:
- * PlayStation 2 - 36,637 units
* PlayStation Portable - 16,625 units
* PlayStation 3 - 15,172 units
