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[Takao]

PlayStation 3 has sold-in over 80 million units worldwide, Sony Computer Entertainment has announced.

The platform has seen many renditions since its November 2006 launch. In February, Sony released “Azurite Blue” and “Garnet Red” colors of the system. And most recently, in August, Sony launched a new 12 gigabyte flash memory model in North America.

With PlayStation 4 due out next week in North America, PlayStation 3 still has a large lineup of big titles on the way, like Gran Turismo 6 on December 6. Over 300 titles are to be released from first and third-party publishers this holiday season, Sony said.

Find the full press release below.

PlayStation 3 Sales Reach 80 Million Units Worldwide

The PS3 System Continues to Grow with more than 300 Software Titles Launching this Holiday Season Globally, Including “Gran Turismo 6″

TOKYO, Nov. 6, 2013 — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that cumulative sales of the PlayStation 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system has reached a milestone of 80 million units*1 worldwide as of November 2, 2013. Now in its seventh year, the PS3 system has demonstrated continued growth and momentum.

The PS3 system has delivered high quality entertainment experiences since its launch and has continuously evolved through system software updates and by adding new features such as upscaling PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games as well as DVD, DLNA client function and 3D stereoscopic games support. In February 2013, SCE released the PS3 system in new “Azurite Blue” and “Garnet Red” colors. In August 2013, the price of the PS3 with 12GB flash memory was reduced in Europe and it was introduced in North America. By offering a variety of products to meet various needs and lifestyles, the PS3 system has been well received by a wide range of gamers.

The PS3 system continues to gain strong support from 3rd party developers and publishers worldwide with the cumulative number of software titles released for the PS3 system reaching 4,332 worldwide*2. Among them are smash hit title, The Last of Us, which sold 3.4 million units in less than three weeks when it launched in June 2013*3, and the critically acclaimed title, Journey, that won six awards at the 13th annual Game Developers Choice Awards and became the first video game in Grammy Award history to be nominated for Best Score Soundtrack. More than 300 software titles are to be released from third party developers and publishers as well as from SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) this holiday season*4 globally, including Gran Turismo 6 (GT6), the latest installment to the wildly popular Gran Turismo franchise that has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide*5.

Furthermore, exciting blockbuster titles such as Grand Theft Auto V (Rockstar Games, Inc), Assassin’s Creed: IV Black Flag™ (Ubisoft Entertainment.), Batman: Arkham Origins (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment) and NBA 2K14(2K Games) have also gained high praise.

When the PS3 system was first released in November 2006, SCE also launched PSNSM, an online multiplayer gaming and digital entertainment service, which now operates in 59 countries around the world with more than 150 million cumulative registered accounts*6. Launched alongside the PS3 system and in conjunction with PSN, PlayStation Store (PS Store) offers a variety of downloadable digital content where PS3 system owners can select from a global catalogue of more than 222,000 digital content options, including 72,000 game content*7.

In addition, the PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) membership service became available in June 2010, providing access to exclusive discounts on PS Store, free games on PS platforms, demos and automatic system updates. The Instant Game Collection was added to PS Plus in North America and in Europe on June 2012, enabling PS Plus members to enjoy popular titles from third-party developers and publishers, as well as SCE WWS, at no extra cost. SCE has also continued to enrich the PS Plus service in other countries and regions. For example in Japan, more titles have been added on “Free Play”, a service similar to “Instant Game Collection”, giving Japanese PS Plus members access to more than 150 games. *8

Since its introduction in September 2010, the PlayStation Move motion controller has enabled users to play games intuitively while enhancing the interactive gameplay experience. Utilizing the power of the motion sensor, Wonderbook™, a peripheral that delivers the evolution of storytelling through the Augmented Reality (AR) technology via PlayStation Eye, launched two titles globally in November 2012. Wonderbook: Book of Spells and Wonderbook: Diggs Nightcrawler*8 have been well received since their release. Exciting new titles such as Wonderbook: Book of Potions and Wonderbook: Walking With Dinosaurs will be released this holiday season*9 and SCE will introduce Wonderbook in Japan.

As the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system launches November 15, 2013 in North America and November 29, 2013 in Latin America and Europe, SCE will continue to expand the PlayStation ecosystem, which includes the continual support of gaming and digital entertainment content on PS3 systems.

*1 – Sell-in number
*2 – As of September 30, 2013. Excluding download software titles.
*3 – As of July 3,2013 including both Blu-ray Disc™ sell-in quantities and download version sales
*4 – Total number of both Blu-ray Disc™ and download version that will be released from November 1 to December 31, 2013 in various regions. The title to be released will vary by regions.
*5 – As of the end of March, 2013
*6 – As of September 19, 2013
*7 – As of October 31, 2013
*8 – As of November 6, 2013
*9 – The launching of these titles in Japan and the other Asian regions is yet to be determined.

http://gematsu.com/2013/11/worldwide-playstation-3-sales-reach-80-million

Probably shipments, and I dunno about those 300 games in the holiday season, even globally.

 

[Angelus Errare]

Amazing how they were able to turn around PS3 from it's horrendous launch and months/year(s) after.

 

[Dragonborn]

I still think it has a chance of reaching 100 million, especially once it goes down to $199 and lower. Great comeback on the part of Sony, especially after all those articles early this gen that said the PS3 wouldn't survive beyond one year.

 

[crazepharmacist]

It'll hit 100 million at least before everything's said and done.

 

[Speedy Blue Dude]

Didn't Microsoft announce the Xbox 360 hit 80 million a month or so ago?

Haha so Xbox 360 has been in second place these last few months even though most of us we're convinced it dropped to third.


Since Current Gen is over on November 15th basically, Wii Finished in First, Microsoft in Second and Sony in Third.

 

[Nightengale]

So PS3 will overtake 360 on December 6th.

So the honour goes to GT6. How apt.

 

[Soulflarz]

I still think it has a slight chance of reaching 100 million, especially once it goes down to $199 and lower. Great comeback on the part of Sony, especially after all those articles early this gen that said the PS3 wouldn't survive beyond one year.

It hits $200 on sale days anyways so yeah im sure itll pass 100m

 

[SolidSnakex]

So it looks like the PS3 may be able to keep Sony's 100m unit streak alive after all.

 

[mugoldeneagle03]

I think it was Cheapy D on the latest 8-4 Play podcast who was talking about PS3 when it first launched and it made me think. It was so barren. Shit I remember the first closed Home beta, it was hilariously empty & terrible. And look where we are in 2013. The thing is my go to media console, and the exclusives the last few years have been an okay bonus too...

Congrats on the turnaround, and the start of a new generation.

 

[Kallor]

And if it sticks around for a few more years it has a good shot at surpassing the Wii.

 

[McDougles]

Haha so Xbox 360 has been in second place these last few months even though most of us we're convinced it dropped to third.


Since Current Gen is over on November 15th basically, Wii Finished in First, Microsoft in Second and Sony in Third.

So much wrong in this post.

 

[The Antitype]

When you've got an entire country that's so close-minded to foreign game design that it borders on xenophobia, that advantage will help you close a gap over time.

 

[Zombie James]

So PS3 will overtake 360 on December 6th.

So the honour goes to GT6. How apt.

It hasn't already?

 

[Tailzo]

And if it sticks around for a few more years it has a good shot at surpassing the Wii.

No, that would be impossible I think.

 

[BadAss2961]

So much wrong in this post.

On November 15th, we can call PS4 "current-gen."

 

[xxracerxx]

When you've got an entire country that's so close-minded to foreign game design that it borders on xenophobia, that advantage will help you close a gap over time.

Are you talking about Japan? Because I do not think Japan is the cause of the PS3's success.

 

[BrokenEchelon]

When you've got an entire country that's so close-minded to foreign game design that it borders on xenophobia, that advantage will help you close a gap over time.

Grasping at dem Nippon straws.

 

[Almighty]

On November 15th, we can call PS4 "current-gen."

True, but the Ps3 will keep selling for many years into the Ps4 lifetime. Just look at the Ps1 and PS2. Sony keeps their console going for many years after their successor has come out.

 

[MisterHero]

I recently bought a PS3. It could've turned into a PS4 purchase but no BC killed it for me. I understand that's a little unfair to PS4, but streaming isn't a solution IMO.

 

[googleplex]

It hits $200 on sale days anyways so yeah im sure itll pass 100m

I'm pretty sure there is another Die shrink and price reduction coming up.

 

[bbtankc]

On November 15th, we can call PS4 "current-gen."

People will continue to call the PS4 and Xbone next gen for some time. At least, that's what happened when the PS360 was released.

 

[SolidSnakex]

When you've got an entire country that's so close-minded to foreign game design that it borders on xenophobia, that advantage will help you close a gap over time.

Japan makes up 9.5m of the PS3 userbase. Europe is the main reason why that gap closed.

 

[Nightengale]

It hasn't already?

Well, PS3 crossed 80 million one month after 360, so even though PS3 sells more quarterly than 360, obviously it hasn't happened. Yet.

GT6 should be able to do it though.

 

[Wartari]

Didn't Microsoft announce the Xbox 360 hit 80 million a month or so ago?

Haha so Xbox 360 has been in second place these last few months even though most of us we're convinced it dropped to third.


Since Current Gen is over on November 15th basically, Wii Finished in First, Microsoft in Second and Sony in Third.

So we shouldn't count the PS2s 40 million ( I think) units it sold after PS3 launched?

 

[KoopaTheCasual]

So does this mean everyone was wrong in their assumption that the 360 was overtaken by the PS3, already?

 

[Speedy Blue Dude]

On November 15th, we can call PS4 "current-gen."

... Isn't that how it works? Why would we continue calling the PS4 "Next Gen" after November 15th if its now the current generation.

PS3 is last Gen on that day. Xbox 360 is last Gen on November 22.

 

[Ratrat]

When you've got an entire country that's so close-minded to foreign game design that it borders on xenophobia, that advantage will help you close a gap over time.

Holy shit, That explains The Last of Us and GTA V!

 

[xxracerxx]

So we shouldn't count the PS2s 40 million ( I think) units it sold after PS3 launched?

Obviously not since by then PS2 was old hat. /s

 

[McDougles]

On November 15th, we can call PS4 "current-gen."

But 7th generation consoles and games don't suddenly disappear after November 15th. Calling the sold console numbers now knowing Sony's support for older-gen consoles is ridiculous, especially with platform exclusives coming to the console post-Nov 15.

 

[Jamix012]

Holy shit, That explains The Last of Us and GTA V!

This argument always bothers me. Yes these titles did well, but they did like a tiny, tiny fraction of how well they did worldwide relative to market share. Yes western titles are doing better than they were doing years ago, but the size of them relative to the rest of the world in Japan is miniscule.

 

[tensuke]

With great games still coming out (especially GT6), perhaps another pricecut, and maybe 3 more years in the market (to complete the 10-year cycle), I can see PS3 going into the 100m range. It all depends on how long Sony is really going to keep making them. They made PS2s for what, 12 years? I'm optimistic they can reach that goal.

 

[The Antitype]

Holy shit, That explains The Last of Us and GTA V!

Do please add up the number of the western games that sell significant numbers in Japan, and then compare them to the number of Japanese franchises and games that sell in the West.

Please. I beg you.

Demonstrate your will-full ignorance to us all as you defend glorious Nippon.

 

[Zalman]

It's incredible how it managed to catch up after being a year behind at a $599 price point.

 

[Withnail]

When you've got an entire country that's so close-minded to foreign game design that it borders on xenophobia, that advantage will help you close a gap over time.

You're talking about 360 in USA right? Because no way you're talking about PS3 in Japan, that would be just silly.

 

[HooYaH]

I hope in the future, maybe 2-3 years, Sony will replace the PSVitaTV with a PS3TV version. Similar form factor, but with upgraded RAM (2GB) for cross compatible applications with PS4 (Apps only), Gaikai, and plays PS3 and Vita games only for $99-$129. Dualshock 4 only can be used.

 

[xxracerxx]

It's incredible how it managed to catch up after being a year behind at a $599 price point.

It was obviously the 60 million consoles Japan bought that really did the trick.

 

[Snakeyes]

Does Sony have anything major coming to PS3 after GT6?

 

[The Antitype]

You're talking about 360 in USA right? Because no way you're talking about PS3 in Japan, that would be just silly.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight, North Americans have never bought a Japanese video game console or Japanese videogames before.

Nor do they continue to, in much larger numbers than Japanese gamers purchase foreign software.

 

[iamshadowlark]

So does this mean everyone was wrong in their assumption that the 360 was overtaken by the PS3, already?

They didn't seem to give a date. The most logical conclusion is that its way to close to call.

 

[Hyunashi]

Japan makes up 9.5m of the PS3 userbase. Europe is the main reason why that gap closed.

Europe was the main reason?
Sure I guess, but Sony's first party offerings was what turned it all around.

It seems fitting the GT6 will probably signify this overtake.

 

[darkwing]

Does Sony have anything major coming to PS3 after GT6?

price cut and superer slim

 

[stryke]

Lol at people arguing over current vs last gen. Wii U got forgotten so hard.

 

[bbtankc]

Does Sony have anything major coming to PS3 after GT6?

There are plenty of Japanese games coming to the PS3, but if you are talking about Sony first party, I believe GT6 will be the last 'big' release. They still have games like MLB the show coming out for the PS3 though.

 

[shwimpy]

Does Sony have anything major coming to PS3 after GT6?

The Last Guardian.

 

[SwiftDeath]

Good news. Well deserved with Sony's turnaround efforts

 

[iamshadowlark]

The Last Guardian.

Right...

 

[Snakeyes]

The Last Guardian.

Ha ha.

 

[Hyunashi]

Does Sony have anything major coming to PS3 after GT6?

Stuff from Japan is what I can think of atm (like tales, Lightning returns etc)
But of course that is major to me as it caters to my tastes, maybe not to the dudebro crowd.

 

[Apath]

It's incredible how it managed to catch up after being a year behind at a $599 price point.

Yes and no. All else equal, it's an amazing accomplishment that Sony turned the PS3 around into such a success.

On the other hand, the PlayStation brand went from being the undisputed market leader to struggling for 2nd place. It lost a ton of market share to Microsoft, and it will take the entire console generation for Sony to surpass them.

It all depends on what lens you're looking through. I personally think the best example of the turn-around is in comparing the E3 shows of 2006 and 2013, so in the end it was all worth it.

 

[SolidSnakex]

Europe was the main reason?
Sure I guess, but Sony's first party offerings was what turned it all around.

It seems fitting the GT6 will probably signify this overtake.

I mean in terms of where the PS3 has sold the most. The Antihype seemed to be acting like there was some gigantic userbase for the PS3 in Japan, and that was the reason why it closed the gap.