It's been four days since Sony first released its next-gen PlayStation 4, and a clearer picture of just how successful the launch was is beginning to emerge. After confirming that the console managed to sell 1 million consoles in its first 24 hours, Sony has added that the PS4 was also the biggest console launch in the history of our frigid neighbors to the north, Canada to you non-poutine eaters.
"The launch was a huge success by any standard of measurement. It was by far the largest launch in gaming history in Canada, and we were really thrilled by the execution, but mostly the response by PlayStation fans and consumers," said SCE Canada boss Steve Turvey to GamesIndustry.
"We launched more units than we have ever in any console launch across any platform at any time, and by far the most. Three times, four times as much as we've done historically, and still demand seems to be unsated."
It got to the point that Canadian supply was almost completely depleted, but more is on the way said Turvey, ensuring that those who missed their chance to grab the console aren't left out in the Canadian cold.
"Day One is certainly very important, but maybe too much emphasis is placed on it. The long-term success is built over time. You see PlayStation 3, many would suggest it struggled out of the gate, and yet 80 million homes worldwide now are enjoying it, so it would prove to be a success," he explained.
While retailers were more than prepared for the launch, not all shoppers were, as some had failed to get reserve a console For those poor, unfortunate souls, they had to resort to the sordid back alley of the Internet. OK, not really a back alley, but nor is it the best place to find a deal: eBay.
The site confirmed with Gamespot that it had managed to sell an impressive 10,000 PS4s during the North American launch weekend, some no doubt commanding outrageous prices. Expect the number to climb when the PS4 releases overseas in the U.K. and Europe next week, especially when coupled with upcoming huge shopping holidays Black Friday and Christmas, even in the wake of some disappointing reviews for some of the PS4's launch titles, falling well in line with a number of analysts' sales predictions.
Under the hood, the PlayStation 4 boasts Supercharged PC architecture, X86 CPU, Enhanced PC GPU, and 8GB Unified Memory according to theofficial specs.
It supports the same PlayStation Plus service as the Vita and PlayStation 3. However, a Plus subscription is required for online multiplayer games, but not for additional media services like Netflix. Sony has also updated the Dual Shock controllers with a touch screen and improved shoulder triggers, and bundles the console with a headset.
Available titles for the system include Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag,Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts,Killzone: Shadow Fall, Madden NFL 25,NBA 2K14, Need for Speed: Rivals, and more. You can check out a complete list of launch titles' prices and install sizes here. It currently retails for $399. For those of you still without the console, and plans to buy it later, make sure you also grab the companion app, and the system update, both of which are ready to download, before you do.
Be sure to keep checking back with Gamenguide for more of the latest updates.
