Shodan
03-23-2007, 06:33 AM
Sales of the long-awaited Sony PlayStation 3 gaming console began with a bit of a yawn at its midnight launch, but retailers predict they will sell out before the weekend is over.
The top of the line toy does not come cheap and is the most expensive gaming console, retailing at $1200.
However, there were some dedicated buyers lined up outside stores last night to get their hands on the much-hyped console.
Dick Smith merchandise manager James Cunnold said two stores open at midnight - in Manukau and Hamilton - had about 40 people at each lined up to take away the hi-tech console.
And he said their pre-sales had gone better than any other gaming launch.
"We're likely to sell out by the end of today," he said.
A spokesman for specialist computer gaming store, The Gamesman, Peter Dalley said he did not have exact figures, but consoles "in their hundreds" left the seven company stores that opened last night, and he expected many more to go over the weekend.
A spokesperson from retailer Harvey Norman, which also had stores open last night was unavailable for comment, but staff from stores in Wellington and Manukau reported a quieter launch.
The Wellington store sold about 10 of the consoles overnight, and the Manukau store about 12.
A slow start to sales was mirrored across the Tasman, with just 65 fans queuing outside Sydney's Myers Department Store, disappointing organisers who had predicted thousands for the glizty launch.
Nevertheless, advertising sales executive Danny Zarka, 31, said the midnight wait had been worth it.
"I was really thrilled to be the first one to get my hands on this baby before anyone else," he told AFP as he clutched his spanking new PS3 console.
"It's going to be a sleepless night, but I haven't scheduled any meetings for early tomorrow," he added before heading home.
The launch of the PS3 in Japan and the United States back in November was accompanied by a consumer frenzy that resulted in punch-ups and at least one shooting.
Sony and major retailers had talked up the long-delayed launch in Australasia and Europe, but there has been speculation that the PS3's hefty price tag might deter consumers.
In London diehard gamers had camped for 36 hours to be first in line for the release.
In France, a special boat was due to ferry 1000 PS3s along the Seine to the foot of the Eiffel Tower, where enthusiasts will brave the chilly Parisian night to get their hands on a console.
NZPA AFP WGT rq kk kn \NZP
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4003077a28.html
The top of the line toy does not come cheap and is the most expensive gaming console, retailing at $1200.
However, there were some dedicated buyers lined up outside stores last night to get their hands on the much-hyped console.
Dick Smith merchandise manager James Cunnold said two stores open at midnight - in Manukau and Hamilton - had about 40 people at each lined up to take away the hi-tech console.
And he said their pre-sales had gone better than any other gaming launch.
"We're likely to sell out by the end of today," he said.
A spokesman for specialist computer gaming store, The Gamesman, Peter Dalley said he did not have exact figures, but consoles "in their hundreds" left the seven company stores that opened last night, and he expected many more to go over the weekend.
A spokesperson from retailer Harvey Norman, which also had stores open last night was unavailable for comment, but staff from stores in Wellington and Manukau reported a quieter launch.
The Wellington store sold about 10 of the consoles overnight, and the Manukau store about 12.
A slow start to sales was mirrored across the Tasman, with just 65 fans queuing outside Sydney's Myers Department Store, disappointing organisers who had predicted thousands for the glizty launch.
Nevertheless, advertising sales executive Danny Zarka, 31, said the midnight wait had been worth it.
"I was really thrilled to be the first one to get my hands on this baby before anyone else," he told AFP as he clutched his spanking new PS3 console.
"It's going to be a sleepless night, but I haven't scheduled any meetings for early tomorrow," he added before heading home.
The launch of the PS3 in Japan and the United States back in November was accompanied by a consumer frenzy that resulted in punch-ups and at least one shooting.
Sony and major retailers had talked up the long-delayed launch in Australasia and Europe, but there has been speculation that the PS3's hefty price tag might deter consumers.
In London diehard gamers had camped for 36 hours to be first in line for the release.
In France, a special boat was due to ferry 1000 PS3s along the Seine to the foot of the Eiffel Tower, where enthusiasts will brave the chilly Parisian night to get their hands on a console.
NZPA AFP WGT rq kk kn \NZP
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4003077a28.html