PSP shatters console launch records in Europe.

[DeathsHand]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/09...s_6132597.html

The handheld has sold an estimated 185,000 units through yesterday, making it the most successful console launch in the UK ever.

The PSP shattered the previous mark set by its chief rival, the Nintendo DS, earlier this year. The DS sold 87,000 units at launch when it hit UK shelves in March.

And software sales?

As in the US, the unit launched with 24 available games, and 20 of those cracked the top 40 all-format software sales charts (figures include sales of titles across all platforms), with nine in the top 10.

It apparently had the best console launch ever in France as well, selling around 100,000 units...

I don't know exactly what the European market is like, but I expected it to follow the US and Japanese trend with PSP selling well, but DS still outpacing it.... What a surprise this is, I ponder how long these strong sales will last?

[Dyne]

So they think it's a console, hmm.

Those Europeans.. sometimes it's like they're on a whole different continent altogether.

[DeathsHand]

Originally Posted by Dyne

So they think it's a console, hmm.

Ok then, let's rephrase it as "the most successful launch of a gaming machine (handheld or otherwise) ever in the UK (and apparently France)"...

[Jonbo298]

Good for Sony

[GameMaster]

The word 'shatters' is a bit of an exaggeration. I think it would be more accurately described as 'mildly dashes'. Let's not allow a little good fortune for Sony get to our heads. To say 'shatters' console launch records is a bit immature and dare I say, 'fanboyish'.

[Xantar]

I wonder if UMD movies are going to outpace games on the PSP in Europe as well.

[Dyne]

Originally Posted by Xantar

I wonder if UMD movies are going to outpace games on the PSP in Europe as well.

Most likely, yes.

PS - I just learned Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is coming out on PSP in a week. This news excites me. I'm going to get it right away for sure.

[Crash]

impressive.... MOST impressive!

now where are the games for the US dammit!

[Xantar]

Originally Posted by Dyne

Most likely, yes.

PS - I just learned Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is coming out on PSP in a week. This news excites me. I'm going to get it right away for sure.

And why not for regular DVD, pray tell? This is the part I've just never understood. Maybe for short TV shows, but for a two hour movie that you're only going to watch in its entirety while on an airplane? Why would anybody want the UMD version other than just to show it off?

[Crash]

PSP movies should include the UMD and a order form for the DVD for FREE

it's crap

I own 5 UMD movies btw

[Dyne]

Originally Posted by Xantar

And why not for regular DVD, pray tell? This is the part I've just never understood. Maybe for short TV shows, but for a two hour movie that you're only going to watch in its entirety while on an airplane? Why would anybody want the UMD version other than just to show it off?

My girlfriend is buying the DVD version. I might as well get the UMD.

I bought Resident Evil 2 UMD and I watch it from time to time just to oggle at hot, hot Sienna.

[Typhoid]

Originally Posted by Dyne

My girlfriend is buying the DVD version. I might as well get the UMD.

I bought Resident Evil 2 UMD and I watch it from time to time just to oggle at hot, hot Sienna.

And to listen to it in Spanish/French/Italian on the way back from Starbucks.

[Dyne]

Originally Posted by Typhoid

And to listen to it in Spanish/French/Italian on the way back from Starbucks.

That was just purely good luck to make use of it that way, yeah.

[DarrenMcLeod]

That's a very impressive launch.

Congrats to Sony.

[bobcat]

good news for Sony. They've done the unthinkable, become a threat to Nintendo's hand held market.

Again through mass marketing, and a portable with so many features