14 DAY TRIAL // The European PS3 launch couldn't have gone better. Although Nintendo's Wii still outsells Sony's next-gen machine by two to one, as NPD reports indicate, it looks like the machine's future has been well set by the European launch, especially in the UK where retailers also gave out free 46-inch HD television sets for console buyers. Also, every PS3 buyer got a taxi ride home - Sony's way of showing that the company cares for the customers to get home safely. However, something that you might not have guessed, the PS3 is slightly above Microsoft's Xbox 360, in terms of launch time sales.
What does this say? Well, it's good news for Sony's PS3 for starters, but also for the company's Blu-ray high definition technology. People buying PS3s will ensure popularity with the Blu-ray format and let's keep in mind that Microsoft's HD-DVD isn't all that new anymore. Still, Neil Thompson, UK Xbox boss isn't at all concerned: "Whatever format wins it is highly likely we will offer a solution." Those last words there sound like they already feel victory slipping through their fingers. Is Microsoft raising the white flag?
BBC News brought details of the European PS3 launch: "High definition is very important to people," said Ray Maguire, Sony Computer Entertainment UK boss. "A lot of people have bought flat panel TVs and they want content to go on it and PlayStation 3 is one of the few places they can get that kind of experience." They're right and Microsoft boss knows that." 17-year-old customer Ritatsu Thomas said: "I feel fantastic. I'm delighted that everyone here also gets a television." The guy's words must be music to Sony's ears.
Sony is also very proud to announce that already sales of PS3 are faster than those of its predecessor's PS2, at launch. Worldwide studios boss, Phil Harisson stated: "... there are benefits for European consumers - there are more games available, more Blu-ray movies and we've updated the online PlayStation Network." I don't know about the games though...There aren't that many PS3 titles to go around and they're damned expensive too. But they'll fix this shortly I'm sure.
With a launch that couldn't have gone any better, there's nothing much for Microsoft to do, rather than wait and see what happens later. HD-DVD technology isn't that much different from Sony's Blu-ray, plus Microsoft offers an add-on unit to play HD-DVD discs, when Sony's machine doesn't need an extra accessory to Play Blu-ray DVDs. It's the units (playing the DVDs) sold that count, whether they are gaming systems or just HD-DVD or Blu-ray players. It certainly looks like Sony is winning here.