Sony CEO: PS3 'out of the woods'

  • By thorsen-ink, GameSpot
  • Posted Jan 28, 2008 11:35 pm GMT

On January 17, the NPD Group reported its final US game-industry sales figures for 2007, which provided more ammunition for console-war partisans in the form of hard numbers. For the year, the Nintendo Wii sold 6.29 million units (7.38 million lifetime to date[LTD]), the Xbox 360 sold 4.62 million...

On January 17, the NPD Group reported its final US game-industry sales figures for 2007, which provided more ammunition for console-war partisans in the form of hard numbers. For the year, the Nintendo Wii sold 6.29 million units (7.38 million lifetime to date[LTD]), the Xbox 360 sold 4.62 million units, (9.15 million LTD), the PlayStation 2 sold 3.97 million units, (41.12 million LTD), and the PlayStation 3 sold 2.56 million units (3.25 million LTD).

While Sony disparagers took the figures as evidence that the PS3's fate was sealed, NPD's December figures showed the console's sales jump. The $100 October price cut of the 80GB PS3 and the November introduction of the $399 40GB PS3 helped holiday sales of the console shoot up to 797,600 units domestically--331,600 more than the month before.

Following NPD's report, analysts debated how much the PS3's rise could be attributed to frustrated Wii-seekers going with plan B and how much was rising enthusiasm for the console. Unsurprisingly, Sony Corp. CEO Sir Howard Stringer thinks it's the latter and talked up the console's fortunes to the Reuters news service while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

"PS3 has now gone past Xbox [360] on the Christmas market," he said, referring to the console's robust European sales. "It's moving into its own as it gets into higher bandwidth...PS3 is out of the woods and beginning to hold its own."

294 Comments

  • flameducky

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 3:29 pm GMT

    Where's Playstation Home when you need it?

  • McBainburger

    Posted Feb 7, 2008 10:55 am GMT

    Sony needs to update its online service. It's a joke compared to XBox Live Market place.

  • Raykuza

    Posted Feb 6, 2008 5:45 pm GMT

    I really hate how this is all turning out: Microsoft rushes their product to get ahead in the console wars and succeeds, leaving people blind to the fact that their hardware is poorly constructed, their customer service is terrible, and (the big one for me) they are making you pay for something you should have for free, full online access. So now all the customers already have their 360s and are "comfortable" and are unwilling to pay the price for the superior hardware of the PS3 even after the $100 price drop (guess what, there isn't going to be another one!!!). The developers are used to making games for the 360 and are "comfortable" so they are too lazy to use the full power and capacity that Blu-ray and the PS3 offer. Microsoft is using all their extra cha-ching from being a year ahead to buy off developers so the PS3 isn't getting the exclusive is deserves. This not only means that Sony isn't attracting any new customers, but it also means that what should have been a beautifully done masterpiece of a game fitted to the maximum capabilities of the PS3 is a POS dumbed down to fit the 360. That explains the framerate issues that plague us PS3 owners and end up making the PS3 look even worse. All we can hope for is that Haze and MGS4 are the best damned games of 2008.

  • ramsboy39

    Posted Feb 6, 2008 4:02 pm GMT

    PS3 FTW!!!

  • ramsboy39

    Posted Feb 6, 2008 4:02 pm GMT

    PS3 FTW!!!

  • PRINCE_OF_DEAD

    Posted Feb 5, 2008 9:55 pm GMT

    ps3 still have alot of ground to cover they need more games and cheaper price

  • Volgin13

    Posted Feb 5, 2008 5:24 pm GMT

    It may be out of the woods, but will it stay alive in the jungle?

    I think it will.

  • damnyou2003

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 5:43 pm GMT

    Good news! I think the PS3 will do much better in '08. I am waiting for either another price drop or GTA4 (even though GTA will be on the 360 also); whichever comes first. The game I am most excited for is Final Fantasy. More games will come.

  • johnnych_cr

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 11:34 am GMT

    The Ps3 will be back the day that Metal Gear Solid 4 is release.

  • d-DanGerous

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 9:33 am GMT

    I think the xbox 360(which I own) and the ps3 will never catch up to the wii simply because of the price point......I mean parents are the ones who usually buy this stuff for their kids....

  • ol0h

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 9:18 am GMT

    PS3 needs better games. Or at least I wont shell out for it. Happy with my Wii and 360 so far!

  • AnimeNewtype

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 8:46 am GMT

    dz99ls:
    "Good news im sure the fact that the PS3 finally got some games has ALOT to do with it"

    Uh, like what? Uncharted? Wow, one game. Everything else that's good is ported over from the 360.

  • AnimeNewtype

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 8:45 am GMT

    nate1222:
    " But the Wii is my real goal. I'll probably trade my 360 in toward a Wii when they're available."

    You're joking, right? If you have a 360 and want a Wii, buy the Wii to go with your 360. Don't trade in MS's superior console with amazing games for some lame toy with last-gen graphics and gimmicky kids' games.

  • ObsidianArbiter

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 3:15 am GMT

    its BEGINNING to hold its own but its not in the clear yet

  • Rygarr

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 2:39 am GMT

    I think GoW3 can push PS3 to the top

  • elozl

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 8:10 pm GMT

    we will see, its too early to know and a real big challenge...

  • KreepLX

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 4:53 pm GMT

    I am still unimpressed with the configuration and capabilities of the software. Some aspects really bother me that the PS3 can't seem to get right when the XBOX releases the capabilities months before Sony.

    I am tired of installing demos and games after downloading them.
    I am tired of having my resolution change depending on the media.
    I am tired of having to switch between composite and optical sound output when I want to use my stereo. I am tired of converting XVID shows into MPEG4 to watch on the PSP & PS3, as compared to XBOX.
    I am tired of the long and drawn out software updates to get online. I am tired of having it just sit there because everything is on the XBOX. I am tired of the bluetooth headset issues in games because the SW that runs it is in the game. Overall, this is an awesome piece of hardware that supports incredible processing power. They need to just give in and get away from the proprietary OS and go with something that works and is easy for everyone (maybe a clustered Windows based OS).

  • JamesSoprano

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 9:52 am GMT

    i gotta say too all you people who say " their is no good games for PS3 " i beg to differ ... Heavenly Sword , Resistance FOM , Motorstorm , Warhawk , Untold Legends : Dark Kingdom , Uncharted Drake's Fortune, and PSN game High Velocity Bowling those are Great games i dunno how people can say their not any good but yet they play games abit like them and like it ... for example ( i sat and played Heavenly Sword and my reaction was: heh this is sorta like a Devil May Cry like game but it's a hot female that's not a devil hunter .... this is cool ! and for Untold Legends it's almost like or ideniticle too Baulders Gate Dark Alliance and i thought this was a pretty fun game ! and why talk smack about price ? 360 new hear was higher then $499 here in Canada for over a year but Sony knocked their down some to a pretty reasonable price just look a blu-ray player that access the web and can play NEW GAMES along with some old ones !!! and people still complain.... if you can afford a 360 at this price then you can afford a PS3 then too if you can't afford it then i understand why

  • Nulify

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 8:34 am GMT

    i'm confused to buy a new entertainment rig is it PS3 w/ HDTV or quad core PC w/ geforce 8800 GT??

    both priced around $1k any suggestions??

  • lobo12

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 7:47 pm GMT

    I agree with LinconSixEcho I have a 360 and I would not like to see the other game systems fail, I think every system is unique in it's own way, I had the xbox and I really enjoyed playing games on it so I got a 360 but who knows maybe if I get a ps3 or a wii I'll enjoy them too.

  • Tyaj

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 6:46 pm GMT

    The PS3 has some ways to go but the outlook seems good. I've already got one and I am enjoying it, but I've yet to see a superb exclusive title come out, just waiting for the games now.

  • NA3D

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 6:22 pm GMT

    It may be a bit late... They will catch up a good amount though. Just too many developers, small and large, are aiming for the Wii (because it is cheaper to develope for) and the X360 (because it has 17,000,000 consoles sold compaired to PS3s 8,000,000).

    Once all is said and done I think they will be within 5 million of the X360 with no problem at all though. It looks like the Wii is taking it home though. Same theory behind the Wii as the Sims... It is general, goofy, family friendly, and even people new to gaming can easily jump right into some of their games.

    If the Sims would have done worse in the PC world, then I would think that the Wii wouldn't keep up in the console wars, but appealing to the everyday person who may not play video games every week seem to really be helping their sales. I want to see the numbers for hardcore gamers though. (Oh, by the way the Wii is about to break 20 million in console sales. Smash Brothers will prolly give it it's last final big boost. Then the wars will be decided between who can come out with new titles. [Halo is why the Xbox sold as well as it did, any console can win, but if there is no big new game to redefine any of the consoles... The Wii will win, the X360 will be second, and the PS3 will be in a close third.])

  • capsulef

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 1:50 pm GMT

    Doesn't wii have to be a next generation system in order for ti to even be part of this conversation? I think Jaguar graphics gave wii a run for its money. Wow PS3 is $100 more then xbox and way more powerful, thats such a huuuuge premium, and blu-ray is the new format of choice.

    I'm getting scared for x-box, really.

  • toritofine

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 12:49 pm GMT

    i think that in one or two years, the ps3 will be back on top... right now, wii is the king, but we'll have to wait some time and see

  • mazniq

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 12:20 pm GMT

    Great news...

  • mazniq

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 12:20 pm GMT

    Sony... out of the woods... people discussing all kind of $#!+... I must be in Gamespot again...lol

  • spedmuffin24183

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 9:43 am GMT

    I work at EB games...the Canadian version of gamestop and to be honest with you over the last month i've sold more ps3's then anything (only more then the wii because they go so fast no one can get them..) I dont know what it is like in the states but here in canada the 360 elite and 80 gig ps3 are the exact same price..and most of the people i get coming in to get a 360 want the elite..at as they are asking for them they tell me that they would have gotten a ps3 but the price is to much...then i explain how the elite is the exact same price..and they are stunned...most of the general public (those who dont visit game sites or stores regularly...still dont know the fact that ps3's arnt 700$ anymore..then when they find out that they arnt they go right for a ps3..im not trying to say 360's are garbage or anything cus they arnt..im just saying that most people dont even realise the price of a ps3..but when they find out..they usually get one...this is only the oppinion of a lowly game sales man..but its the truth

  • Khoo1992

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 8:48 am GMT

    they will, but slowly

  • Cordell27

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 8:39 am GMT

    I'll be honest, in a console war where casual gaming is a key factor to success Sony doesn't stand a chance. The PS3 is primarily for H-core gamers and not the casual player, whereas the Wii or even to a certain extent the X-360 offer much wider game types for both the casual and hardcore gamer so to be honest, no PS3 you're not out of the woods yet and I don't think you ever will be, that price tag is weighing you down and helps place you firmly in the section of gamers willing to sell their souls for a fix.

  • abdelmessih101

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 1:27 am GMT

    Damn ... just when things start getting better, Sony CEOs start to count their chickens before they hatch ... again.

    Their pride, boastful attitude magnified their horrific failure at launch. Since then, I'd thought they'd be humble, but they just don't learn.

    Don't get me wrong, I hope they're right, but they'll be eating their words like never before if they're wrong.

  • snowjoe188

    Posted Feb 1, 2008 11:14 pm GMT

    i'm not real sure what some of the earlier posts are talking about with the lack of backwards compatibility on the PS3 because i can definitely play all of my PS2 games on mine. unless that feature has been removed from the PS3 as of early fall 2007, i think there's been some sort of misunderstanding...

  • jnug14

    Posted Feb 1, 2008 2:33 pm GMT

    Who needs a ps3 when i have a 360 and WoW I mean face it, 360's maximum price point at release is PS3's lowest price point now. 360 predicted the need to sacrifice to get their console out there and it worked. If PS3 wants to make it to the top they will have to do some sacrificing of their own. Good luck Sony!

  • F0ZZY

    Posted Feb 1, 2008 2:24 pm GMT

    I would buy a PS3 if they would get a remake of Final Fantasy VII

  • masterplayer

    Posted Feb 1, 2008 1:45 pm GMT

    wooo finally yeah =D sony is coming back to take over the crown

  • GreenXMega

    Posted Feb 1, 2008 6:17 am GMT

    Everything those morons say about their own Playstation console is bullcrud. Thank you for listening!

  • sentay0

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 11:39 pm GMT

    Remember that while the sales figures are good and all, but it has always been and will always be about the games.

  • cchris1109

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 7:37 pm GMT

    if it had better games i would buy it!!!!!!!

  • Red_Flag

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 4:50 pm GMT

    It's still pretty early. Maybe when Metal Gear Solid 4 comes out and Sony drops the price of the 80gb or even the 120gb. Than maybe it'll have a final chance but it better pick up the pace if it wants to succeed. It's competition is fierce!

  • theKSMM

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 1:46 pm GMT

    "...provided more ammunition for console-war partisans in the form of hard numbers."

    Indeed.

    Henceforth fanboys shall be known as CWPs (console-war partisans).

  • NND1

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 1:13 pm GMT

    If they come out with a CHIP I might buy one! LOL

  • funky_muzic

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 12:16 pm GMT

    Sorry Sony...better hurry up with the Playstation 4. After the impending 3rd place finish of the PS3, Sony's next console may drop the "Playstation" name all together, just to get a fresh start. They could call it the PSP Home or something like that.
    But back on topic, some of those sales figures are for the PS3 are deceptive because there's a good percentage of buyers that picked up a PS3 just because it's a cheap blu-ray player. I'm sure Sony would prefer that the PS3 owners by $60 games instead of $30 movies.

  • smurfa1

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 11:44 am GMT

    Gogolor: I think you are right. The PS3 lacks the real killer app in my opinion. Never liked Killzone. But Haze and MGS4 might change that.

  • SupaPhly

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 11:33 am GMT

    you can do it PS3!

  • Blaze787

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 10:22 am GMT

    Sony desperately needs to get the price tag down to $399 to see any significant gain on its competitors. Tacking on bigger hard drives while keeping the price high isn't going to do it.

  • Gogolor

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 10:15 am GMT

    I think that the PS3 does not have a chance of becoming a default choice for people until:
    1. Sony brings in a better software selection with exclusives that can rival things like Mario on Wii and Halo/Gears on 360.
    2. BluRay wins the format war.

  • cloudstrife75

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 9:46 am GMT

    The only thing the PS3 has going for it is reliability, hard-programming and blu-ray playing. I love the Ps3 but its not doing too well...

  • BadBoY_AC

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 9:35 am GMT

    i want a ps3 !! but still need more and better games!

  • hiimfletcher

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 9:11 am GMT

    u cant say a console is out of the woods when its 6 year old predecessor sold 1 million consoles more than the new one

  • Andaleeb

    Posted Jan 31, 2008 9:02 am GMT

    hope SONY doesnt ditch backward compatibility. i still love my ps2 games... and i'm still waiting for a better value from SONY. Right now, i dont think they really deserve my severely limited cash lol. i'm not too worked up about keeping up with the pace of tech, but i'm losing my patience. GOW3 is at the moment the only thing edging me towards maybe possibly in due time purchasing the so-called BS3. 2-0-0-9!

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