PS3 Supply Outpaces Demand
The launch of PS3 was quite an event to behold: there were long lines, people were shot and scalpers were aplenty. Now that the dust has settled, how well is the PS3 doing? ArsTechnica took that question to retailers, and the answer isn’t very encouraging for Sony. According to their investigation, the console is selling well, but not quite as well as people had hoped. Most stores were in stock and some even had people returning their units because it’s not fetching a premium over the online auction site anymore. Here’s a bit:
One retailer spoke to me on condition of anonymity, and broke down his version of the situation. “It’s not that we’ve gotten more PS3s than Wiis, it’s just that no one wants them. We’ve seen a few returned. We have four in the store right now,” he said. He also told of people coming in with multiple systems and no receipts, looking for cash back after their eBay listings failed to gather attention. “If you told me that I would have PS3s to sell and that I won’t be able to get enough Wiis back in October, I would have laughed at you,” he went on. He also detailed a memo from a regional vice president telling managers to put up a hand-written note telling customers that the PS3 is in stock.
Personally I think supply has far outpaced demand. The console is pricey and there aren’t many incentives to get it right now, but in the long run it seems to be a valid purchase. Heavenly Sword, Motorstorm, Metal Gear Solid 4 and Final Fantasy XIII, anyone?
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