Sony executives are counting the money roll in as their new gaming baby smashes UK retail records. According to official Chart-Track figures, over 185,000 on the handheld gaming devices were sold in UK stores in the first four days after its release. This smashes the 87,000 record rival Nintendo set in the first week of its new DS console (£99.99 inc. VAT), which was released in March.

Sony's long awaited portable gaming device was officially launched in Europe at the beginning of the month. UK gamers have had to wait a few more months to get their hands on the portable PlayStation, which was released in the US on March 24 - some nine months behind Japanese consumers. The company reportedly intended to ensure that US demand was met before launching the portable console in Britain.

The console was launched with 24 games in Europe, nine of which have entered the UK's top 10 games chart, giving an insight into just how popular the console could become. However, Sony is hoping the gadget will appeal to more than just hardcore gamers - the device also allows users to play films, music and access the Internet. Sony has developed its own disc format for the device, UMD, and had 30 films available for the device at its September launch. More titles are planned in the coming months.

Sony is expecting to sell more than a million units in the run-up to Christmas. However, it faces competition from Nintendo, which is preparing to launch a new device, the GameBoy Micro (around £69.99 inc. VAT), in November.

BIOS, Sep 07, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Gaming