Even though game hardware sales in August dropped 10 percent year-over-year, Sony expects to reach its PlayStation 3 12-month sales target.
Through 12 months ending in March 2011, Sony expects to sell 15 million units worldwide, and two quarters from April to September reportedly are above company sales estimates.
The growing appeal surrounding the PS3 is a combination of a more appealing game catalog coupled with online and streaming support that the Wii simply cannot match. PS3 sales have also increased as consumers in the U.S. and other select international markets familiarize themselves with the high-definition technology.
Furthermore, the PS3 3D update is expected next week -- but a PSP version isn't expected just yet -- as the PS3 seems even more appealing.
It doesn't seem like long ago when the Wii was the most dominant game console, as the popular device remained sold out. The Xbox 360 and PS3 seemingly were engaged in a fierce battle for the No. 2 position behind the Wii.
Sony's announcement that it can reach the sales goal, along with lowering console prices and the Move add-on feature (available for pre-order). It sets up an interesting 2010 holiday shopping season that will see fierce competition between the PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360 -- and consumers should be the ones to benefit.
The Wii remains the No. 1 game console, but suffered a whopping 23% marketshare drop as the the PS3 and Xbox 360 catch up. PS3 sales increased 65% and the Xbox 360 also saw sales increase up to 78%.
However, Nintendo must have been proud when the Wii reached the 30 million units sold mark in the United States last month.
Microsoft now has its $399 Xbox 360 Kinect bundle that offers a $50 savings.
