Among the available VR headsets currently available in the market, Sony is surprisingly right on top. Sources have confirmed that the company's PlayStation VR headset's sales numbers are higher than the competition. The VR is the Japanese tech firm's first venture into the Virtual Reality business and has reportedly sold around 915,000 units as of Feb. 19, 2017. Meanwhile, the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive have not released their official sales numbers yet.
However, data from the several sources have revealed that the Rift has moved around 243,000 units, while the Vive has done a little better with 420,000 units sold. These values are reportedly based on their sales until the end of last year. One the other hand, Sony Interactive executive Andrew House explains that the company was a somewhat restrained with their manufacturing targets for the PSVR, which encountered stock shortages in some territories, says The New York Times.
The Sony executive shared his experience with the PlayStation VR's marketing campaign. "it's the classic case in any organization" where the sales division might be very enthusiastic about production numbers, while other departments and executives are being cautious and "saying let's be a little bit careful," said House. He added that the company's target for the VR headset is one million units within a six month period. Based on their latest report, it seems that the target might be reached earlier than expected.
Due to their set production targets, the PSVR reportedly ended up with scarce stocks across the globe. Notably, the popularity of the headset in Japan reportedly caused consumers to line up outside retail stores when restocks arrived, claims House. Although the technology has not been immediately embraced by most consumers, it is slowly being accepted by gamers as time goes by. Game Rant points out that the PSVR is most likely successful compared to other brands due to the already established market share of the PS4.
Andrew House also pointed out that "Resident Evil 7" contributed to the PlayStation VR sales. The game has been designed with the VR headset compatibility as its selling point, which enhances the survival horror game's creepiness. Sony is set to release a new hardware for the headset called the PSVR Aim controller this May 16, 2017.