PS3 Slim breaks records in Japan

By GamesIndustry International Published 7 September, 2009

Shifts 150,000 units in three days.

The PS3 Slim has sold over 150,000 units in three days in Japan, marking its highest sales in the region to date.

According to the latest figures from Famitsu publisher Enterbrain, the console sold 150,252 slim units (150,832 units in total) during the period August 31 - September 6, reports Kotaku. Comparing the figures to Media Create data for the week prior, when the console sold just 1040 units, the increase marks a huge leap.

The slim console even outperforms the launch of the original PlayStation 3 when, due to shortage issues in the region, 88,000 consoles were sold in the first two days.

UK data revealed earlier today showed the new slimline console is performing similarly well here with a 999 per cent increase in sales recorded following last week's release.

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Comments (78) Latest comment 3 years ago

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  • GamesProgrammer Verified Games Team Programmer, Eutechnyx Ltd. #1 3 years ago

    Thats a 15000% increase on last week :)
    Grats to Sony tho
    Edited by GamesProgrammer at 07/09/09 @ 14:37

  • fjharps #2 3 years ago

    I think that puts PS3 ahead of the Wii in 2009 the sales had been rather equal up to 2 months ago

  • M_of_the_sys #3 3 years ago

    @Crofto

    I'm the opposite. I can't justify buying a Slim apart from to save room space, which I don't need to do. I couldn't do much with the extra couple of inches. I also don't need the HDD space but if I did, I'd rather spend £45 on a new drive than £250 for something I already own.

    Nice sales figures though. Is it much of a surprise being Japan?
    Edited by M_of_the_sys at 07/09/09 @ 14:22

  • b00n #4 3 years ago

    Ah, good for Sony! However, we should judge it on a ten year basis, no? Not three days! :)

  • LiveForever #5 3 years ago

    Do u see what happens when its well priced sony? Do u see?

  • youhavenomail #6 3 years ago

    So, Xbox 720 out before Xmas whether it's ready or not, then? Microsoft has form.

  • BootLace #7 3 years ago

    ((150,832 / 1040) - 1) * 100% = 14400% increase on last week.

  • NorUraeus #8 3 years ago

    @Crofto: CEX seems to have a better trade in deal, especially if you got a model with PS2 support, you would only be paying around 70GBP then I think for a new Slim.

  • Widge #9 3 years ago

    Some Game stores are offering £180, which pretty much matches Cex... also to trade in at Cex and get the max value, they need to have a slim to give back to you!

  • miiiguel #10 3 years ago

    So, Xbox 720 out before Xmas whether it's ready or not, then?

    Although not likely, that would be awesome... But, 3 months until Xmas, I don't think it's possible. Here's hoping though.

  • des #11 3 years ago

    "Thats a 1500% increase on last week :) "

    Go back to school,please...zzzz

    "((150832 / 1040) - 1) * 100% = 14400% increase on last week."

    Nice edit....

  • miiiguel #12 3 years ago

    Come on, honest mistake, as it makes no sense to use %'s instead of "times". :}

  • skillian #13 3 years ago

    @LiveForever

    I read that in Walter Sobchak's (Big Lebowski) voice. Don't know if that ws intentional on your part.

  • SL33PY #14 3 years ago

    Actually in the UK 999% is the maximum percentage they could show. The real percentage is a staggering 1100%

  • LiveForever #15 3 years ago

    skillian

    It wasnt. But that makes it even better.
    Edited by LiveForever at 07/09/09 @ 14:57

  • miiiguel #16 3 years ago

    I could swear I can see only +'s signs...

    Sigh...that sucks, actually, we want teh system warz!

  • Hypercube #17 3 years ago

    It's almost like this is the real launch of the PS3

    EDIT: LOL at the 360 owners rating down every post. CRY HARD.

    I own a 360, but it still baffles me how owning one brand of console turns you into a raving, frothing evangelist of hate against the other brands of console.

    Do you think Coronation Street forums are filled with vitriolic hate from East Enders fans? Actually, I don't think I want to know

    Edit: I gave the majority of posts a + click, 'cos there was nothing in them that deserved any - ratings. Perhaps some other people were doing the same at the same time!
    Edited by Hypercube at 07/09/09 @ 15:06

  • JahB #18 3 years ago

    we want teh system warz!

    no we don't. we want both consoles at a reasonable price point so the majority of gamers can afford them both.

    props to sony for the massive sales, i hope that will illustrate the power of teh pricecut.

  • Darren #19 3 years ago

    svd_grasshopper - I agree. The rating system is possibly the worst idea yet and one that is exploited (abused) to the fullest by people who can't stand any negative criticism being aimed at the console of their choice (a.k.a. the so called "fanboys";) even if it's actually constructive or factual.

  • SeesThroughAll #20 3 years ago

    LOL @ donnie paranoid about svd_grasshopper!

    I think the voting system is ok, btw. It's better to keep it simple. The majority of people still have common sense, and truly garbage comments (something I've done myself) get massively voted down in comparison. Just adjust your threshold and you won't miss out on comments voted down by fanboys.
    Edited by SeesThroughAll at 07/09/09 @ 15:36

  • miiiguel #21 3 years ago

    "theyre called fanboys. "

    I could learn a thing or two about irony with you, sir.

  • mcmonkeyplc #22 3 years ago

    Sony defence force rejoice!

  • M_of_the_sys #23 3 years ago

    @mcmonkeyplc

    SDF? What are they defending? The fact that their console has just had a good week of sales? Erm... I'm confused.

    Edit: One bloody spelling mistake. Hmph.
    Edited by M_of_the_sys at 07/09/09 @ 15:42

  • j-bo #24 3 years ago

    Yay, more people for the cult of Flower :)

  • miiiguel #25 3 years ago

    @M_of_the_sys : it was a reference to this => http://www.sonydefenseforce.com/

  • M_of_the_sys #26 3 years ago

    Oooooh I see. :-\

  • Gazza_UK #27 3 years ago

    ha the website basically goes "the ps3 will CRUSH the evil xbox and wii.. read more unbiased views inside." LUV IT

    i only own a ps3 by the way.... just so no one is confused.....

  • mcwildcard #28 3 years ago

    Incredibly, I think Sony have a very good chance of dominating the christmas market this year, it just depends if they actually manage to get some decent and persistant advertising going.
    Personally I think the current 'It only does everything' US adverts are the best of the lot, that's what Sony need to really push, the system's got an incredible range of features, but Joe Public hasn't got a clue about that.

  • mashk #29 3 years ago

    I may get myself a cheap 'old' style PS3 then. Looks like there'll be shit loads of them available for bargain prices soon.

  • Drakron #30 3 years ago

    Sales spikes are not uncommon, its easy to have this type of sales in a week but try having then for months.

    After all, looking at Media Create figures the top hardware was the DSi at 59,881 so does anything thinks that the PS3 is capable of outselling it nearly at a 3/1 ratio?

  • fjharps #31 3 years ago

    I think it's nintendo's turn now on the price cut just knock off the price a bit and release different colours or something and thats it
    Edited by fjharps at 07/09/09 @ 16:38

  • BadDevotions #32 3 years ago

    i love my 360 but really want a ps3 now - it's the consumer electronic whore in me that i cannot deny. i am trying the old, "but it plays iplayer honey" with the missus but it's not washing.

  • sneetch #33 3 years ago

    Got mine over the weekend, only problem I have with it is that the thing won't stand up on its own (they're bringing out stands soon, I hear). Quiet and small (ish) and I'm finding the controller surprisingly good so far.

    I was also mildly surprised that it didn't explode when I connected it to my Sony TV using my Xbox's HDMI cable. (There was a few seconds of bated breath when I first plugged it in ;) ).

    Anyone know of any HDMI "mergers"? Something that will allow me to connect two HDMI devices to one socket on my TV?

  • Wildsleven #34 3 years ago

    got my slim on first day! :D

  • jonbwfc #35 3 years ago

    @sneetch

    You can't merge HDMI signals but you can get HDMI switch boxes. The usual places (Amazon etc) sell them, you should be able to get a simple one for sort of 30 quid price range.

    Jon

  • Olemak #36 3 years ago

    In Norway, GameStop has a trade-in deal: trade any old PS3 and two games in + 40 £ = a new slim.
    Hard to resist. And I have a few crap games unworthy of shelf space anyway...

  • electrolite #37 3 years ago

    "got my slim on first day! :D"


    WOW! THAT'S GREAT! WHAT A TOTALLY WORTHWHILE POST! THANKS!

  • electrolite #38 3 years ago

    Ignoring the % increase quotes which are neither here nor there when it's a big multiple of very little, these are very impressive numbers. Hopefully will put the wind up Nintendo a bit

  • Redeye #39 3 years ago

    Interesting. A launch spike that can only be described as 'bloody enormous' is good news for SCE and potential PS3 owners alike, but I honestly can't help but wonder if the sales curve will remain consistently high, or drop before the inevitable Christmas hoo-hah.

    (Edited to remove what could be misconstrued by some as flame-bait.)
    Edited by Redeye at 07/09/09 @ 17:27

  • skillian #40 3 years ago

    You can't merge HDMI signals but you can get HDMI switch boxes. The usual places (Amazon etc) sell them, you should be able to get a simple one for sort of 30 quid price range.

    [link url=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LP-2-PORT-HDMI-SWITCH-SPLITTER-BOX-HDTV-HD-DVD-PS3_W0QQitemZ360120045769QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ConsumerElectronics_VideoSwitches_SM?hash=item53d8d3d0c9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
    ]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LP-2-PORT-HDMI-SWI...[/link]

    5 quid on eBay.

  • sneetch #41 3 years ago

    @jonbwfc @skillian

    Thanks lads, that's pretty much what I was looking for.

    To the ebay mobile!

  • Dr_Wadd #42 3 years ago

    @sneetch, if you've not already bought a switcher, I would recommend this one

    [link url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joytech-HDMI-Tri-Link-Switcher-PS3/dp/B000NJZRSI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252342581&sr=8-1
    ]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joytech-HDMI-Tri...[/link]

    Three way with remote control, but the particularly nice thing about it is that there it comes with an additional IR receiver on an extension cable, so you can tuck the switcher out of the way and just leave the tiny IR receiver visible. The receiver is only about 1cm x 2cm, mine is stuck to the front of my TV cabinet and you'd have to actively search for it to spot it.

  • dominalien #43 3 years ago

    donnie is a strange one, isn't he?

  • dominalien #44 3 years ago

    As to being surprised the PS3 didn't explode when you connected it to the HDMI you use for the 360, why? All HDMI cables are the same.

    It was clearly an attempt at making a joke. In your case, it failed miserably.

  • sneetch #45 3 years ago

    @zerolight
    @sneetch I got one of these Neet HDMI Autoswitchers from eBay, from this seller. Had no problems with it. I'm picky and sound and video and haven't been perturbed with this one.

    [link url=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-WAY-HDTV-hub-spl...
    ]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-WAY-HDTV-hub-spl...[/link]

    As to being surprised the PS3 didn't explode when you connected it to the HDMI you use for the 360, why? All HDMI cables are the same.

    Cool, there's no shortage of these switch boxes. Thanks!

    I was just joking about the cable thing, I figured that as some people seem to have an almost allergic reaction to the mere mention of the "enemy" console that the consoles themselves would explode if they came into contact with any part of one another. ;)

  • Xensor #46 3 years ago

    I traded in my old PS3 to Gamestation for £160 and got the slim plus Batman for £250 :) Bargain if you ask me :)

  • BritishBlue1 #47 3 years ago

    Interesting news if you're into sales figures, which I'm sure Sony and their shareholders are...the more important long term impact remains to be seen however but I hope PS3 does close the gap with the 360, it will be good news for gamers forcing lower prices and better services. Now if Sony can hook up with Skype for cross game chat and voice messaging on PSN we'd be set.

  • makeamazing #48 3 years ago

    What amazes me about the Japan figures is that the release date was on a weekday and obviously there were no queues... so the sales were either pre-orders or people popping in after work.

    @Donnie... seriously you need to get out more...

  • Johnsters #49 3 years ago

    @Ashen-Shugar
    Re -Games sell consoles

    Yes and no. If its purely a games console, then yes, which is the success of the xbox360, for gaming out of the 3 consoles, probably the more capable.

    But I didn't want a pure games console (since my days with the spectrum 25 yrs ago my lust for gaming has dwindled), and like many (and I mean lots), wanted a cheap (at the time) blu ray player - not so much the case these days.
    I also know people that bought the PS3 as a multimedia streaming/content server that incidentally can play games.

    Based on Games alone and price, (bar some Sony IP LBP, Motorstorm, Resistance and a few others), the Xbox should have been an no brainer.

    So application sells product. But games can sell consoles too (just not as exclusively as you suggest).
    Edited by Johnsters at 07/09/09 @ 19:09

  • Retroid #50 3 years ago

    svd_grasshopper: "would be better if it told you who marked you down... even just for a day or two."

    No it wouldn't; you get petty tit-for-tat marking down of whomever it was who DARED mark someone's comment down.

    Mods can see who gave + or - to each comment, and that's probably the best deal :)

  • Retroid #51 3 years ago

    Congrats to Sony, a nice combination of a new model and a price cut has done them proud!

    Hopefully they'll stay doing good numbers and Japan especially can start to see the benefits of HD gaming over the Wii :)

  • Power_n_Glory #52 3 years ago

    The main hinderance to the PS3 was the price and Sony have corrected that problem. Marketing the PS3 as multi entertainment unit wasn't the problem. Everyone knows the Playstation brand so people aren't confused about what it is or what it does. The problem has always been the price. Backwards compatibility, exclusive games...doesn't matter all that much to most consumers. There isn't many exclusive games I want for the PS3 and I don't really need one considering I have a 360, but if I see a good PS3 bundle for £250 with 2 pads and two good games, I'd probably buy it on the spot.

  • Xerx3s #53 3 years ago

    "No it wouldn't; you get petty tit-for-tat marking down of whomever it was who DARED mark someone's comment down. "

    You mean like the markdown feuds going on in a lot of threads? ¬_¬

  • SeesThroughAll #54 3 years ago

    I know people who are buying a PS3 JUST For gran turismo 4, coupled with blu ray facility and free internet

    WTF buy a PS3 for GT4?? Show me how can people play GT4 on a PS3 without BC then.

    I don't know how is it where you live, but where I do, I pay for my internet!
    Edited by SeesThroughAll at 07/09/09 @ 20:06

  • Syrok Verified Community Coordinator, Tarsier Studios #55 3 years ago

    Not too mention that GT4 looks horrible on PS3. :)

  • beastmaster #56 3 years ago

    Got 2 mates (one 360 owner and one Wii owner) who are going for the PS3 Slim as I have done. What sold it to them? A vid of the upcoming PSN game Gravity Crash! We had hours & hours of fun on the C64 with Thrust and this is what's sold it to them.

  • captain-future #57 3 years ago

    Lets see what the next week happens and the week after that...

    But congratz @ sony, finally they have an offer to compete.

  • BritishBlue1 #58 3 years ago

    "What sold it to them? A vid of the upcoming PSN game Gravity Crash! We had hours & hours of fun on the C64 with Thrust"

    Sounds like a bizarre reason to spend £250 but whatever floats their boat...

  • IronGiant #59 3 years ago

    Wow looks like its finally hit that sweet price point and the PS2 owners and fence sitters are jumping in.

  • man.the.king #60 3 years ago

    @sneetch

    "Anyone know of any HDMI "mergers"? Something that will allow me to connect two HDMI devices to one socket on my TV? "

    Try this: search term 'hdmi switch' on Amazon. I use the one by Belkin. It's quite good. Also, there's one out by Psyclone (in the US) that has (I think) Video (HDMI) as well as Audio (Optical) capability.
    Edited by man.the.king at 07/09/09 @ 21:34

  • LPXO #61 3 years ago

    My story in short...

    - Have a 360 and wanted a PS3 for a while but couldn't justify it just to satisfy my Wipeout cravings in HD glory (amongst other very rare PS3 exclusives that im interested in)
    - 360 RRoD outside of warranty. RIP.
    - Worst kept secret of PS3 slim announced
    - £100 Amazon voucher ive been sitting gets redeemed and i have a console which is as quieter than a mini mac and IMHO, a far better OS UI
    - Much Wipeout HD love ensues

  • Edwin #62 3 years ago

    I would imagine FF has been pretty heavily advertised over the last few weeks... makes complete sense for Square to only release it on the PS3 in Japan. And to be honest great sense that they are brining it out on the 360 as well. I feel sorry for fan boys, as they really do miss out on some great games, GOW, MGS4 etc.. losers.

  • PoundHound #63 3 years ago

    Wow! that is...scary!!?? Were so many people actually unwilling to buy the PS3 at a slightly bigger size and higher price? Having said that, I was waiting for the slim as I had recently bought the big PSP just weeks before they announced the dinky version, so I didn't want to get bitten twice. Strangly, now that the wee PS3 is out I still can't muster the will to buy one. I honestly can't explain what is holding me back. I think it is that I just love my 360 so much plus I don't want to be in a situation where I have to make a choice of what to play, but this has never held me back in the past. Maybe it's old age. I'm becoming a stingy old fart!

  • PoundHound #64 3 years ago

    Oh, and one other thing - Hopefully this will jolt MS in to doing something dramatic with the 360 - free live, 360 lite, a couple of stunning exclusives - they've been stale recently, imo.

  • Diomedes #65 3 years ago

    Very impressive ,now it has a flow of good games coming in Japan (ToV ,NGS2 ,PES2010,FFXIII ,GT5 ,Tekken 6....massive end of year) so sales will keep very high.Thing is how will the sales be come february or march ....if they can stabilize around 25-30K then the PS3 will own Japan at last as its the only console that sells third party software there (bar MH3)in reasonable amounts compared to userbase.

    And the sales have skyrocketed in USA and Europe too.Poor Rich Leadbetter must be having some bad time right now.
    Edited by Diomedes at 07/09/09 @ 22:57

  • zedzee #66 3 years ago

    Oh please...My friend's 10-year-old daughter's home-made chocolate-covered biscuits could outsell the original PS3.

  • GamesConnoisseur #67 3 years ago

    Good news for consumers and Sony, glad they finally got into the right groove and in future hopefully less presumptuous of gamers bring willing to shell out large wads of cashes. Consumer KNOW what they are willing to pay for and yes looking up for Sony.

    Declaring all as a win is a bit early at this stage, as still all to play for in the next year and both Ninty and MS won't roll over and die. If they do as some people seems to hope for, we will just see Sony taking Market for granted eventually and competition always drive innovations.

    Interesting days ahead, PS3 exclusives looks better further afield but Sony often reveal their cards earlier than others tho.

    Just happy to own all consoles and playing hard on Metroid Prime Trilogy presently.

  • chessboxer #68 3 years ago

    I just got excited as my only condition for buying a PS3 Slim was that I would buy a 1TB HDD to go in it. Well I found one but it's too big (12.5mm). When Western Ditigal (Samsung, Fujitsu or Seagate) decide to get with the newer standard (9.5mm) on their larger drives, I'll pick up a Slim and put my electricity hungry BC model back in its box.

  • SpaceMonkey77 #69 3 years ago

    Good for Sony. They've still lost this ,though.

    Unless one is purchased for me, I'll wait til PS3 Slim hits the magic £200.

  • JamieR #70 3 years ago

    Hopefully more ps3 machines means developers put more effort into multi platform games and make them as good as the 360 I personally will hold on to my 60gb ps3 so i can play older games but if it brakes id get a slim

  • Goodfella #71 3 years ago

    Unless one is purchased for me, I'll wait til PS3 Slim hits the magic £200.

    And when it hits £200 you'll still be moaning that it's too expensive and wait for it to hit the magic £150 price, then you'll moan it's too expensive etc etc.

  • makeamazing #72 3 years ago

    Unless one is purchased for me, I'll wait til PS3 Slim hits the magic £200.

    Some shops have been selling it at £229... I dont think you want/care about the PS3 that much because an extra £29 wouldnt be an issue if you really wanted one.

  • ocmerius #73 3 years ago

    So, I see A LOT of people are trading in their old PS3 for a slim one.
    How exactly is this going to help Sony expanding their installed base?

  • Johnsters #74 3 years ago

    Im sure I saw the PS3 Slim in Blockbusters for £229 plus 1 game (plus a months free PS3 game rental).
    Seemed like its really £199 plus the cost of a game/peripheral.
    (Game choice wasn't too bad either)

  • Goodfella #75 3 years ago

    @ocmerius

    Yes but also a lot of people are buying one for the first time.

  • Xerx3s #76 3 years ago

    "Yes but also a lot of people are buying one for the first time. "

    I suppose the only way to find out is when the number of games sold grows in a similar fashion.

  • Sonic_D #77 3 years ago

    I finally bougth a PS3, I like the look and size of the slim. Its nice and quiet and I needed a decent Bluray player. Watched Band of Brothers with DTS-HD MA sound yesterday, it was bloody brilliant. But yes the price is now right. Games wise tho there is not much I want. I have bought MGS4, LBP and KZ2. Not much else I want, will play most multiformat games on the 360 still it seems.

  • MeBrains #78 3 years ago

    @donnie:"anyway i didnt expect these numbers and sadly have to admit i was wrong about the slims impact. seems there was a pent up demand for a smaller cheaper ps3 in japan than many thought."

    is a "see, we told you so" in place now, at this very moment?*

    ...

    * we will have to see how sales are sustained, yet I think Sony is very well placed now to beat its competition (- which still does not mean it will improve on PS2's dominance last gen).