It has finally been confirmed the PlayStation 3 games console has overtaken Microsoft’s Xbox360 in sales in Europe according to figures released by Sony.
According to the Japanese manufacturer over five million units have been shifted across the continent and the PS3 has actually been outselling its rival since October.
“We have sold more PlayStation 3s throughout Europe than Xbox 360 even though they launched 16 months before us.” - Sony’s David Reeves
In the data released it was also stated that Sony has sold more than 12 million PSP handheld consoles and 48 million PlayStation 2 consoles throughout Europe.
Although Sony has successfully outsold Microsoft, Nintendo’s Wii console remains the dominant console in terms of sales. The Wii has sold over 25 millions units world wide.
The sales figures come after the PS3 console suffered a torrid initiation with users initially disappointed by early game titles coupled with stock problems, but as the console recovered it has managed to shift half of global unit sales throughout Europe.
“I think its fair to say that the first year of PS3 was a difficult one, there were some teething problems, and our customers were a little under whelmed by the range of titles that were available.” - SCE president and CEO
With all that behind them these figures suggest that the PS3 console will enable Sony to reclaim top spot as leading console manufacturer.
“I am very confident that after the 10-year lifecycle we will have the install base that we are looking for and that is obviously to be in the leadership position.” - Mr Hirai
It was also announced Sony are looking into disc free network gaming (http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/hirai-talks-about-playstation-future-360628 ) for future generations but admits that the global infrastructure in not yet in place to support such a concept.
