Sony pleased as Punch with PS3 launch
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Nov 22nd 2006 at 2:45PM }
And do note the capital "P" in the headline. Quite surprisingly, the true origin of the phrase has more unintentionally amusing connotations than was previously expected -- the thought of a bowl of pineapple party punch being simply delighted as drunk teenagers scoop out its innards never did make any sense. Now we know better and, thanks to Sony's neck crushing PRm (as in PR arm, you see), we even know that Sony is satisfied with the events that comprised the PS3 launch. Then again, who isn't? Right?According to Dave Karakker, senior director of corporate communications for SCEA, the primary points of interest are as follows:
- Good news, everybody! The initial allocation of consoles sold out within hours. And by everybody, we don't mean consumers.
- The best-selling game was Insomniac's Resistance: Fall of Man, followed by some angry football guy. Neither of these games manages to live up to the excitement generated by being shot while waiting in line or engaging in gladiatorial combat over that last PS3.
- The $599 PS3 model outsold the cheaper version.
- The "buzz" around the PS3 launch had a
halosubstitute effect on other Sony products, giving the PSP and PS2 healthy sales boosts of over 20% each.
"Sony Computer Entertainment America couldn't be more pleased with the response we have seen from consumers since the launch of PLAYSTATION 3 on Friday. This truly demonstrates the power of the PlayStation brand and further validates our belief that consumers see real value in an entertainment system that will define the next decade of digital entertainment. At this point, we are focused on getting as many new PS3s to the North American market as possible for the holidays, including airlifting systems to the territory on a constant basis. With PS3 manufacturing now running smoothly and product being aired in weekly, we're focused on our goal of shipping a million units to retail by the end of the calendar year. Due to the immediate nature of these shipments, we will not be providing weekly updates on North American supplies."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
T. White @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:07PM
Hah, I just love Sony sometimes...truly masters of wording things to sound favourable, of course the more expensive model sold more units than its less expensive brother - there were more of the $599 units placed on the shelves! Sheesh.
jayntampa @ Nov 22nd 2006 2:53PM
Yes .... the PS2/PSP sales boost couldn't at all be attributed to some upcoming holiday -- umm, what was it called ... hmm ... oh yeah, CHRISTMAS.
x Man0waR x @ Nov 22nd 2006 4:35PM
Just further proof that Sony either has no idea what there talking about or they are truly in the dark and not facing facts. With many PS3 "exclusives" now jumping ship and heading over to XBox and Wii systems what will Sony have to offer down the line that will make people say "Hey, I need to get a PS3!" when games like METAL GEAR 4 and ARMORED CORE are now coming over to the Xbox 360. Whose is gonna pay $600 + dollars to play a game they've already played on there XBox or Wii?
And who is Sony kidding? They barely shipped 200, 000 units to the US and they are "confident" they'll reach there 1 Million Unit mark by year's end? HA! That I like to see!
Michael @ Nov 22nd 2006 2:59PM
haha yeah, you mean the like same sales boost DS saw in Japan? 408k is the most recent figure I believe. I like Christmas :)
robert816 @ Nov 22nd 2006 2:56PM
So the $599 version outsold the cheaper version, I guess the fact that there were far more of the $599 version shipped than the cheaper version didn't have anything to do with that either.
Scott @ Nov 22nd 2006 2:57PM
"Good news, everybody! The initial allocation of consoles sold out within hours. And by everybody, we don't mean consumers."
I shouldn't take three days to sell out of 5 units at launch.
"The $599 PS3 model outsold the cheaper version."
Since 4 out of the 5 PS3s that were produced were the $599 model, file this one under "DUH".
"The "buzz" around the PS3 launch had a halo substitute effect on other Sony products, giving the PSP and PS2 healthy sales boosts of over 20% each. "
Translation: Nobody could buy a 360 unless they took 2 days off from work to sit outside in the cold so some of them bought PSPs and PS2s instead.
Chris @ Nov 22nd 2006 2:59PM
They probally gave 2000 of the PS3s to some celeb who doesn't need it. for the headline are you talking about Punch and Judy?
CakeOrrDeath @ Nov 22nd 2006 2:59PM
# The $599 PS3 model outsold the cheaper version.
Wow amazing! The product they produced more of sold more? Sony must have been so surpirsed.
Werbal @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:00PM
It's called "damage control."
A similar example would be: "White Star Luxury Liners couldn't be more pleased with the maiden voyage of our latest cruise ship, Titanic. Despite technical difficulties during the ship's transit, more than 70% the guests who opted not to remain with the ship during its malfunction rated the ship 'first rate' and said that the food was either 'satisfactory' or 'good.' We have utmost confidence that this once-in-a-lifetime event will be talked about for years to come."
Calviin @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:00PM
Don't you know Sony is bigger than Christmas?
(For those that need help, the above sentence was said with sarcasm. Read it that way too.)
Firestorm. @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:05PM
oh yea, especially since they have only sold 200,000 consoles so far.... even thought they expect 1 mill in oh...6 weeks...
DeezNuts420 @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:05PM
DENIAL......Coming to PS3 this Christmas!!
Richard @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:06PM
That clown guy in the link (http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/43850.html) Looks like the burger king guy.
Shagi @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:09PM
So the PS3 hate has begun simply beacuse there are a lot of people who cant get or are not willing to pay the price to own one. Well I got one and I can tell you that I'm as jazzed by it as I was when I got my first c64, or Amiga, or when I built my first PC.
The games are normal launch title faire but I expect that ultimately the graphics will surpass the 360, take a look at motorstorm, even in 480p that game looks amazing (I dled the demo from the sony store). I also like the Linux functionality and look forward to futzing with that as things get updated. Remote play can be expanded so that I can play a PS3 game on my PSP when the TV is otherwise in use. Blueray movies. Seriously Im digging the PS3 bigtime.
I'm picking up my Wii today and will gladly post which console I like the best afte having more time to spend with all 3.
Ken @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:11PM
You guys are endlessly entertaining. I am always happy to see a positive Sony story. It means wonderful comments are to follow.
Still a little curious as to why you're here an not playing your kick-ass, generation dominating, X-box 360s though. :)
Comtar @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:18PM
"consumers see real value"
You bet they did. I know I did, that's why I'm 1300$ richer. I was in line with 32 other people getting a PS3. Only 5 of them said they were keeping it for themselves. Based on other stores and other managers I spoke to, this trend was pretty consistant. Very few people kept systems for themselves compared to who bought it for Ebay.
Kelvin @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:13PM
"The "buzz" around the PS3 launch had a halo substitute effect on other Sony products, giving the PSP and PS2 healthy sales boosts of over 20% each."
I'm surprised that PSP sales have gone up, considering that saving another day's worth of wages is pretty much enough to get a Wii. And not working a day still leaves enough for a DS.
(And this is a PSP owner talking.)
csc @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:15PM
Whats next..Sony gonna kill that damn crocidile and then beat up the wife?
Knowing sony, I wouldnt be surprised.
Todd @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:14PM
Wow, the Sony execs must either be really stupid or completely ignorant of what really happened.
Sure the $600 sold out more, more units were available and if anyone is hell bent on getting a machine, you'd buy whatever is available. I'm pretty sure more people purchased the $500 version out of desperation (lack thereof) but who really wanted the $600.
Sony seems pretty proud of the chaos and mayhem which the company helped instigate on launch day. The system should have been out a year ago, and in truth, should have come out another year from now when all the problems were fixed and units were available. Instead the launching helped create rampant mobs aiming to be the first to obtain a PS3.
Speaking of mobs, I wager most of those lucky bastards who obtained a PS3 were ONLY there to resell on eBay and make a huge profit.
Sony cares about the money, sure, but cares nothing of the consumers and their best interests.
Matt @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:15PM
We would be Ken, but we work.
Brian @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:16PM
Punch and Judy are fucking SCARY. I'm almost 23 years old and I still have nightmares about those things...
Anyway...
I must be the only person in the universe who has absolutely ZERO interest in purchasing... or even just PLAYING the PS3? I'm much more interested in the 360... seeing as how it can pump out the same kind of killer graphics, at a better framerate even. Also... it's cheaper. In fact, with the money I'm going to save from getting a 360 over a PS3... I can pay my cable bill AND my phone bill. Twice.
Michael @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:16PM
#14 You mean playing their Wiis, right? :D
Scott @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:17PM
#14 said:
"Still a little curious as to why you're here an not playing your kick-ass, generation dominating, X-box 360s though. :)"
I'm at work. :P
Aleman @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:17PM
http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=212
You go Sony!
Michael @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:26PM
#19 I dont want a PS3 either :)
Napoli @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:24PM
I want to know what the attach rate is for the PS3. Since most people buying the system are reselling it, I would think it would be next to nothing.
Rich @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:29PM
#8: Werbal, Ha! that's some awesome spin! Could you write my resume for me? :)
Augusto @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:37PM
#24
"> I want to know what the attach rate is for the PS3. Since most people buying the system are reselling it, I would think it would be next to nothing."
It's 1.5
Werbal @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:39PM
Rich:
Hard-working individual looks to strengthen company with strong motivational skills and excellent interpersonal communication. Previous employers have commented that applicant is "difficult to work with." In reality, the applicant demands such a high caliber of company excellence that he quickly becomes bored when not challenged frequently. Other complaints, such as "surfs that damn Joystiq Web site all day" are misunderstanding's of applicants goal to test and verify functionality of Web browser.
nick @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:39PM
"The $599 PS3 model outsold the cheaper version."
Wow, this is surprising, considering there were more expensive models available than cheaper models, and you dropped the tidbit earlier about the entire initial shipment selling out.
SkillCoil @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:41PM
@14
How the hell is this a good article? All it is, is just a spin on the real truth; that they sold out of a very limited number of units. This shouldn't be praised at all.
Marco @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:44PM
Reminds of that funny VG Cats comic #214 Vegonomics
SkillCoil @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:45PM
@22
The most hilarious part about that comic, is that the first person in line got it so that he could sell it to the others at a higher price (I also see dollar signs in his eyes).
gfx @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:51PM
C'mon guys. I just as pissed if not more so by the asshole at work that has three of them expecting to get $3K each. Talk about greed.
Let face it, the real BASTARD is "eBay" without whom this would not be possible.
eBay has taken scalping to new heights. I say Boycott SONY and let them feal the wrath of a red bottom line.
KaneRobot @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:51PM
I don't get people who are pissed off or surprised by this article. Of course the PS3 launch was pretty crappy, but it's not like you can expect their PR guy to admit it. It's his job to make stuff sound good.
Marco @ Nov 22nd 2006 4:06PM
@33 I dont think it is ebay's fault. One way or another the people who want it would get it from the people who have it. Ebay just makes the transaction easier. As long as I can remember, the hot Christmas toy would sell well over retail and this was way before Ebay. People would sell them on the street, take out printed adds, etc.
David @ Nov 22nd 2006 4:09PM
Add me under the "No shit the $600 PS3 sold more" file. Sony is really that fucknig stupid? My hatred for shity Sony grows each day.
David @ Nov 22nd 2006 4:09PM
Add me under the "No shit the $600 PS3 sold more" file. Sony is really that fucknig stupid? My hatred for shity Sony grows each day.
White Rose Duelist @ Nov 22nd 2006 4:14PM
http://www.knitemare.org/cats/270917400_da512bcb86.jpg
rafa @ Nov 22nd 2006 4:19PM
Hey look, every post here is hating on Sony, and most of you haven't even played the thing. Didn't see that one coming.
BklynKid @ Nov 23rd 2006 5:03AM
#22, that is hilarious. Thanks for the laugh.
B @ Nov 22nd 2006 4:39PM
That VG cats comic is hilarious.
The TiaMaster @ Nov 22nd 2006 4:59PM
How come in real life when someone complains to you about something you don't say something like "WOW - all the hating - didnt see THAT one coming..."
Orangecoke @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:20PM
It's PR - what do we expect them to say? "Holy shit did we blow it!"
PR's job is to put a positive spin on these kinds of situations. I'm sure the actual management at Sony realize how bad the launch went.
Andrew @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:27PM
Let's take a look at the genious that is Sony:
Beta
Minidisc
Memory Stick
Bluray
CD Root Kit
PS3 Launch
All the above are proprietory to Sony and yes some are way cool but after all this they have completely alienated me. I was considering a PS3 but now I'm just contented to spend all my time playing with my Wii. :)
Rasgueado @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:53PM
I'm confused. If they completely sold OUT of PS3 units... wouldn't the fact that the more expensive one outsold the cheaper one just mean that they made MORE of the more expensive model? The rest of the stats seems fine... but that one seems kinda wonky.
JJ @ Nov 22nd 2006 6:01PM
Whats wrong with memory sticks? I use mine on my Camera all the time.
Thats almost like saying SD cards are garbage or something....
and if BluRay sucks, then so does HDDVD..
but Root kits and minidiscs and Beta i'll give you.
But then you also have to remember, Every large tech company has failed products. Just ask apple, MS, and others about some of their products that just never caught on.
Seriously though guys, you act like Sony is the only company to ever have a failed product.
Keeko_ca @ Nov 22nd 2006 6:07PM
The funny thing is...Sony has predictably played out EXACTLY the same way that VGCats comic pokes fun at.
Sometimes I wonder why Sony says anything at all. Just shut up and quit pissing off what little fans you have left.
E.P. @ Nov 22nd 2006 6:49PM
I bet Sony is selling PS3s in eBay to offset the huge losses per console. I smell rats! Someone should look into this...
Wii360dsPSPpc @ Nov 22nd 2006 9:48PM
I've played the PS3. I have yet to see anything that'll entice me to drop $600 + component cables + 2nd controller + $60 game. The launch games and PS3 demos only knock your socks off if you've been playing nothing but the PS2 for the past year.
I own a 360 and a Wii. As I said, I've played the PS3 -- there's no compelling reason to buy one.