Microsoft Xbox 360 Big In Japan, But New PS3 Could Usurp Lead
Still, Microsoft is basking in taking the lead, and reports that Japanese sales are so brisk that the company is running low on supplies.
"We've done better than we forecast," John Schappert, corporate vice president of Interactive Entertainment Live, Software and Studios, told Reuters. "We are finding that we have a shortage of hardware."
On Friday, Reuters reported that Microsoft sold 53,547 units of the Xbox 360 in the four weeks to Sept. 28, versus 33,071 units of the PS3, according to data from Enterbrain
Sony's 80-GB PS3, which had a U.S. release in September, and is also available in Europe, could threaten Xbox 360 sales with an attractive price tag. Reuters reports that the new model will cost the same as the 40-GB PS3, which Sony plans to phase out.
The U.S. 80-GB PS3 has a street price of $399, and has the same features of its predecessor with a Blu-ray player, HDMI output, integrated Wi-Fi connection, Cell Broadband Engine, and is bundled with 140 titles.
Sony is also ratcheting up it competitive prowess in North America with a launch this year of 50 new games, game packs, and add-ons that are downloadable via the PlayStation Network.