PS4 Pre-orders Eclipse PS3, PS2
In an interview with VideoGamer.com, the Chief of Sony UK, Fergal Gara, has confirmed that the PS4 has over one million pre-orders, which puts its pre-order numbers above that of both the PS3 and PS2. Gara would not disclose the exact number of pre-orders, but says that Sony is very pleased with the number and they expect to sell out at launch.
I think comparing the PS4 to the PlayStation 2 is a dangerous thing to do at this stage of the game. The PS2 is the bestselling video game console of all time, clocking in at 155 million units shipped to date. Not only has the PS2 been on the market for 13 years, it also has one of the greatest software collections. If Sony is expecting for the PS4 to oust the PS2 as bestselling console I fear they may be disappointed.
No doubt the PS4 will be a successful, lucrative product for Sony but the gaming industry at large has developed this habit of forming almost absurd sales estimates for their products, like Square Enix with Tomb Raider. Square Enix projected that Tomb Raider would sell 5 to 6 million copies, so even though they sold more than one million copies in 48 hours and current sales numbers are measured at 3.4 million, Square considers it a failure. Many game publishers would be tickled pink by these numbers, but since the estimates were so high, the game was a disappointment.
Sony, please don’t fall into this trap. There is nothing wrong with setting conservative numbers and then being pleasantly surprised.