Sony Australia\'s Christmas Wish

Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) announced that sales for PlayStation products will exceed $100 million for the key Christmas trading period of November and December. SCE Aust intend to sell over 100,000 PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems during this period taking the total number of systems sold to over 300,000 units since it was launched in November 2000. This will result in SCE Aust, along with the numerous leading independent publishers, selling a large amount of PlayStation 2 software and peripherals. In addition, sales are still very strong for the PSone console, software and peripherals.

"This forecast comes as a result of a significant increase in demand for PlayStation 2 over the last two months. This increase in demand is due not only to the recent price reduction but more importantly, the fantastic new games that are being released," commented Michael Ephraim, SCE Aust Managing Director. "To ensure the Christmas demand is met, SCE Aust have secured increased production in Japan and additional air cargo space."

This positive sales peak has come at an ideal time for the market-leader with an array of new release titles such as Jak & Daxter, World Rally Championship, WipEout Fusion and Twisted Metal Black scheduled for release in the next month. "Over the next month, we\'ll be showcasing a strong line up of software, taking the total number of games available for the PlayStation 2 to over 200." commented SCE Aust., Managing Director, Michael Ephraim.

Also on the horizon are a number of exciting games from leading independent publishers, many of which are exclusive to the PlayStation 2. These include Devil May Cry, Metal Gear Solid, SSX: Tricky, James Bond: Agent Under Fire, WWF Smackdown: Just Bring It, Max Payne, Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3, Silent Hill 2, Burnout and Cricket 2002.

SCE Aust. are confident that PlayStation 2 will be the entertainment system of choice for 2002 and beyond. The console delivers a complete home entertainment experience for the whole family via the in-built DVD and Audio CD functionality, a formidable line-up of PlayStation 2 titles and an extensive back catalogue of over 1200 PSone titles, all of which will play on the PlayStation 2. In addition, 2002 will see the much anticipated launch of the Internet adaptor and Hard Disc Drive features that will further enhance PlayStation 2 as a computer entertainment system

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I personally think they have no chance in meeting their targets, primarily because they are having such trouble meeting the demands in the first place. Every store you go too, whether it be Kmart, EB, Myer, Target, David Jones, Big W etc, there are always signs on the counter or in the window saying PS2\'s are sold out.

How the hell can the keep up with demand?

yeah i found it a little hard to believe that the ps2 system would sell out so quickly.  do you think that the fact that people pirate games for ps2 has a big effect on console sales?  i don\'t know how big the pirate trade is as i\'ll never take advantage of it.   is it big here in australia?  how bout the rest of the world?

Even if people pirate software, they still need hardware to play them.

I am not sure really how big it is.

I just think Sony Australia have got their hopes alittle too high.

Ps2 will be a hot item this christmas.

Though im not seeing any ad\'s on Tv. Only Xbox.com.au

Saw a Jak And Daxter Bus ad on the way to work.

Labeled, its time for new heroe\'s with a supermarket checkout chick.

The WRC ad is on all cable channels, such as FOX 8, Channel [V] and Showtime.

Speaking of adverts..

Soul Reaver 2: Foxtel: FOX8
Jak & Daxter: Channel 10
BurnOut: Channel 10