History may have repeated itself for Sony, as reports have come in from Chart Track, a UK industry watchdog, that PS3 sales have dropped 82% in the country since its initial launch on March 23. In the US, sales of the PS3 were extremely high during the first few weeks following launch as well, with interest in the machine plummeting several weeks later.
A Chart Track spokesman told GamesIndustry.biz, "Yes, sales of PS3 hardware have dropped by 82 per cent. We publish the first week figures [for console launches] because there’s such a clamor for them [by the industry] that we can’t keep it a secret."
But in addition to the 82% loss of sales for the PS3 in the retail market, the momentum of the PlayStation 3 has also lost steam on eBay UK. Many sellers that list the PS3 at prices above retail remain unsold with no bidding activity. However, PS3s priced below retail prices do have activity.
In direct contrast to the downturn in sales this week, the PS3 sold over 165,000 units in just two days during its launch in the UK. These sales numbers made the PS3 the fastest-selling home console in UK history. But the sudden slowdown in sales for PS3 has put a dark cloud over the record breaking feat by Sony and has most likely caused some serious concerns at Sony headquarters.
