PS3 in last, Sony lays claim to a successful January

Sure, the PlayStation 3 got off to a rocky start and is now only number 3 in next-gen console sales, but Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. claims that things couldn't be better. Well, it could definitely be better, but in any case, Sony is happy with its current status in the market.

Eugene Huang

Sure, the PlayStation 3 got off to a rocky start and is now only number 3 in next-gen console sales, but Sony Computer Entertainment claims that things couldn't be better. Well, it could definitely be better, but in any case, Sony is happy with its current status in the market.

NPD sales data reported Thursday that the sale of 243,443 units in North America during the month of January contributed to a record $550 million in revenues. Strong sales of the PlayStation 2 and the PlayStation Portable, which earned sales of 299,352 and 210,719 units respectively, was also a major factor.

"We are pleased with the numbers from January as they demonstrate overall sales improvements for our legacy systems year over year and continued momentum for PS3," claimed David Karraker, SCEA's director of corporate communications. "With supply levels stabilizing, you can expect to see increased marketing for PS3 and PS2 in weekly retail circulars, which should garner strong numbers, boosted by big software launches, such as MotorStorm and Virtua Fighter 5."

Future Looks Good

Another bright spot in Sony's near future will be the release of the heavily-awaited God of War 2, which comes out in stores next month for the PS2. Sony is also expecting strong results from PSP titles such as Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, which has already debuted this month. Karraker also claimed that the PSP's impressive January hardware sales are "quickly closing the gap on the leading competitor."

All in all, Sony is pleased with the overall performance of the PlayStation brand, claiming last month's figures to be "the biggest January sales in the history of the company in North America."