Sony's smallest console proves biggest launch ever

By Steve Malone

Posted on 8 Sep 2005 at 11:23

Sony's long awaited PlayStation Portable has taken UK gamers by storm. The new PSP console sold an estimated 185,000 units in its first week making it the most successful games hardware launch ever. By comparison, the rival Nintendo DS sold just 87,000 in its first week on the shelves in March.

The delay in launching the PSP in Europe has had the advantage that at least there were a number of games available at launch. A total of 24 games hit the shelves simultaneously with the console - the largest number of supporting titles available at the launch of any console. Games cost around £34.99 with the console itself retailing at £179. This in itself is a victory for Sony as many considered the price tag too high for a hand held console.

Not surprisingly, the Sony PSP dominated the All Formats chart this week with the biggest software launch for any console. Out of the 24 titles for the PSP available at launch, 20 entered the All Formats Top 40. PSP games took nine of the Top 10 places. Sony's own 'Ridge Racer' (PSP) topping the list, knocking Brian Lara International Cricket 2005, available on the PS2, XBox and PC, and which has been riding high on the back of Ashes fever, off the top perch.

Click Track says that almost 1 in 5 people who bought a PSP console also bought 'Ridge Racer'. In fact racing games seem to be an early favourite with the PSP buyers with a total of 5 racing games in the Top 10 PSP chart, including 'Toca Race Driver 2' at number six and 'Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition' at number seven.