PlayStation fans had a reason to celebrate today, with the PS3 finally getting a confirmed release date of March 23 in Europe and Australia. We spoke to Sony Computer Entertainment Australia and New Zealand managing director Michael Ephraim about why the 20GB model isn't being made available down under, whether local gamers can expect console shortages, and much more.
GameSpot AU: Why did Sony decide not to release the 20GB SKU of the PlayStation 3 in Australia and Europe?
Michael Ephraim: Basically, every retailer and business partner we discussed the SKUs with said that the 60GB SKU is the way to go. If you look at PS3 sales in the US, and if you look at the sales of our competitor's format, the lead SKU has sold disproportionately better--it makes up about 97 percent of all sales. We will look at the demand and the need for a 20GB SKU, but everything is telling us--including consumers talking to retailers via pre-orders--that everyone wants the top-end SKU because it has all the functionality.
We have listened to retailers and consumers, and honestly, hands-down around the world the message was to go single SKU now. Of course, this also simplifies our manufacturing--we can focus on only one SKU and then assess the marketplace from there.
GSAU: So you don't expect to lose too many sales from people who had their hearts set on the 20GB model?
ME: I really don't think so. The difference in Australia is about A$170 (between the two SKUs). The 60GB model is the PS3 in full flight, and if you're going to invest that type of money, the benefits for another A$170 are clearly there. But we will listen to what the demand is.
GSAU: If there is a demand, is there a possibility that the 20GB model will reach Australia sometime in 2007?
ME: We will look at all information and assess it. Within 2007 is not a problem--we just have to make sure there's a demand for it.
GSAU: Sony has stated that there are 1 million PS3s being made available for the PAL release. Can you tell us which countries those consoles will be going to?
ME: I'm not allowed to go through that now, not until we finalise a few things. But I can say that Australia is a very important market for Europe. Historically, we can do anywhere from 5 to 7 percent of the business of Europe. That is a cumulative number over the years. So we are significant--we're not a 1 percent market. Australia has always been given its right level of allocation and share of allocation of new releases. We always launch at the same time as Europe as well, so that indicates that we're an important territory. We will get our fair share.
GSAU: So you don't foresee any shortages come March 23?
ME: That's the main question for every new format, and there is always a shortage for every new format. It's very important to get the day one number right, but we also want to plan with our retailers as much as we possibly can, to give them as much transparency as we can, when it comes to ongoing replenishments. There is the day one quantity--out of that million; Australia will get a fair share--but then we want to work with our retailers so consumers who don't get a console at launch will at least be informed as to when the next deliveries will come in. We will do the best we can to meet market demands.
GSAU: The PS3 is the last console to land in the Australian market. How does that affect your position in the next-generation console race?
ME: I'm not too concerned. By coincidence, our launch in Australia is the exact day that the Xbox 360 launched here a year ago. I think it is public knowledge that Microsoft and retailers are disappointed with the numbers the 360 has done here. GfK Australia puts the 360 at about 150,000 units install base--we're sitting on 2.2 million on PS2, so there's a long way to go. We do not see the one year head start as insurmountable by any means at all; 150,000 is a nice number, but it is by no means 2 million.
GSAU: Can you tell GameSpot AU how many PS3s you're expecting to sell in Australia this year?
ME: It's a bit early--we'd rather just work our way toward launch. It's very hard to pin down because this device goes beyond gaming. Convergence is upon us, so not only does what we do impact the sales of PS3, but also other issues, like the availability of high-definition screens and Blu-ray movies, can also affect us. It's a very dynamic market we're in, so it's hard to imagine what the exact quantities will be.
GSAU: Michael Ephraim, thanks for your time.
the ps3 definitely wont fail. heck i want one myself but the truth is the 360 and wii are both going to outsell the ps3. easily. at $1000AU the majority of people (especially myself being a student) dont have that kind of money lying around. for the same price u can pick up a wii and 360. its not that i dont like sony but its pretty clear the other consoles are much better quality for their price
u know someone is selling overseas ps3 on ebay, since ps3 is region free. Also even though the price is 100+ over usa's price, a lot of people would still buy it. My bro is anyway. Also on paper the ps3 is much stronger that the xbox 360. I think it was x3 stronger. You can't judge a console on it's game launches, that's just silly. Once a developer can figure out the ins and outs of a console, you will be seeing more games with a greater quality.
bihboy, the only bluray game right now is resistance. All the other games are on DVD right now. And 3rd party titles are still gonna be $110 to $120 AU.
Here in AUS, EB Games is offering AU$400 towards getting a PS3 when you trade in your pro 360 console (currently retailing for AU$600.) I find this rather interesting, as this is the first time i've noticed that they are actively promoting a trade-in incentive for two consoles of the same generation.
funny thing, ps3 games are on a better disc format and their still $20 cheaper lol
Want I want to know is why where paying 200usd! extra for a less pwoerful console? Atleat the removal of that thingy everybody got worked up about has made it feasible for a price drop in near future...
I don't know about everyone here saying stuff like the ps3 will 'kill' the 360, or 'no one will buy a ps3.' How much do you really care which is the winning the console war? Are you only looking to buy a system which gives you bragging rights about sales figures? What's the point? Seriously, buy a console for its games, enjoy them, and coexist with the obviously less intelligent people that go for the other consoles!
I was about to say that: How about asking why the PS3 cost nearly $800USD in Australia instead of $600USD. $1000AUD = $772.40USD To Sony: Do you really think people will buy ps3 console for almost a thousand bucks with no games, think about it man before making a price dude, this price is totally crazy & xbox 360 almost half of the price which only costs $599au, you really think people will buy ps3 for $999au??? Think again!!!
dragonsruleme Why do people ony bag out the ps3 and no other console.I mean how can you the graphics are crap the games off 360 look the same.Even ps2 and xbox look the same. While I agree it stupid to say the PS3 sucks, at the moment the 360 has better graphics than the PS3 (this may never change, only time will tell) but Xbox definately does have better graphics than PS2.
Why do people ony bag out the ps3 and no other console.I mean how can you the graphics are crap the games off 360 look the same.Even ps2 and xbox look the same.
i have nearly paid my pre order off and all i want to know is price of the games i have been quoted in between $110 - $129.95 a game but also look at the prices of the ps2 games most of them have gone up to $99.99 a game as well . what the hell is going on here
hmmm... maybe if i sell a kidney...
Lots of questions and no answers... put this man into politics!
I'll just wait till my next oversea holiday and buy it dutyfree :P damn import tax + transport fee + GST +.....
How about asking why the PS3 cost nearly $800USD in Australia instead of $600USD. $1000AUD = $772.40USD
Its going to cost $999 AUD - theve said that for how long now.. Im buying one in China next christmas 07 - then soft mod it so I can go region free - if im that desperate for Aussie Blu Ray movies.
So after they release the 4 ps3's they have ready for Australia next year (because there will be another delay) with a price tag of $100000000, who will really care???? I used to want one but after they treated us like $%^# Ive decided Im not getting one. Rather Im going out to buy an xbox360 and a wii.
THE PRICE YOU IDIOT INTERVIEWER THE PRICE HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST "Well i cant go into that now because its going to cost $1200 aud and believe me it's Worth it cause i work at SONY i know so"
Release the darn 20GB model, that's what i want because it will be cheaper. And what is Sony's bonus to Australia? When they told us it was delayed they said that they will give us a bonus of some sort. WHAT IS IT.
Ps3 wow um who cares
PS3!!! WOOT WOOT! Best gaming console ever is going to AUS!! Can not friggen wait!!
I hate this guy. Every interview I read he compares the 7 year old 180 dollar PS2 to a 10 month old 600 dollar Xbox 360. He's a fool! They only have 150,000, we have 2.2 million. Yeah, after 7 YEARS!!!! And most of those 2.2 million came AFTER numerous price drops. 360 has more consoles after 1 year than PS2 did after 1 year, but he doesnt appear to mention that.
I agree with jamesfffan
masterchief2371 Crappy games graphics for ps3? even though the 360 has a slightly better GPU in my opinion, and the ps3 has a way better CPU, the consoles are not that far apart as to how powerfull they are and what their graphics capabilities are, it all depends on the games that they release, and those games that release on both consoles are just going to be the same on both, so dont judge them, it all comes down to the developers that are makeing games for only one console
@ masterchief2371 Crappy games graphics for ps3? um.. ARE U BLIND mate? Check out motorstorm, mgs4, stranglehold, lair, ridge racer 7, Resistance: fall of man. enuff said. plus i dont see why ppl are so hung up on gfx, yes gfx can be very impressive as are the gfx for the above ps3 games and even other console games but why not focus more on playability and content richness. Ps3 is more than competition for the 360. for example ps3 has a built in blu-ray player for High Definition Movies!, does the 360? no | yes the 360 like the ps3 has HD "games", dont ppl realise ps hardware is the mainstream console of the past 10+ years, the ps3 has had a few problems getting it together but it seems they are getting on track and are reaching their goals. and this march 23rd release is further confirmation that the ps3's sales will pick up speed along with its popularity.
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At least now Australia and Europe have a set date for launch.
97% of all sales. For the people who have reported that they have seen shelves with PS3's on, maybe they're the 20gig models and when people ask about the PS3 and told that they have the 20gig version in, the hopeful is dissapointed that its not the 60gig and says they'll come back when they have some in. If that's the case then I think Sony should recall all the 20 gig models and replace the HDD with the 60gig.
Hahaha, PS3 0-1000 sales this year in Aus, how can anyone afford a $999au console man do you expect anyone to buy a $999 console with crappy games graphics, think Sony before making a price, xbox 360 rocks.
AU We will get our fair share!
Its funny how people can claim PS3 is dead when we haven't even had a chance to buy it yet. Did it occurr to anyone X360 has sold so little here because everyone know PS3 is just around the corner. And for everyone complaining about all the multiplatform games, if you dont hav a 360, like 20 million Australians dont, then the games line up for launch is probably the best for any console ever. They are about a dozen good game at launch. PS2 had maybe 1 to 3 at best. I actually only got Tekken Tag. People whining Sony still support PS2. Why wouldn't they. Its still outselling EVERYTHING except maybe DS, in term of hardware and software. About half the software sold worldwide is for PS2. If you think its great M$ dropped support to concentrate on 360, see how you feel when they drop 360 for 720 in 3 and a half years because 360 is already 1 and they dont get supported for very long. You can still buy a PS2 and know yours going to get plenty of games coming out. Imagine if you bought an Xbox 1 a year ago, how you would feel about just being abandoned. Anyway, Happy Australian Day. 56 sleeps to go.
"Well sony's not selling well anywhere,there games are geting delayed graw2 delayed to the end of year! WOW thats bad $1000 WOW thats bad,you got to be one stupid fanboy to buy the ps3 the way its going there's no helping the sales Its screwed!!!!!!!!!!!! games are glitchy peaces of crap..." dude, what were 360 games like in the first few months? and what do u mean ps3 ain't selling well anywhere? - if it's out of stock everywhere and ebay prices are still higher than retail price, wouldn't be selling "very well"? ... in 2 years time when developers are given enough time to work their magic around the amazing piece of hardware that ps3 is, you'll see 360 as last gen + a few more polygons..
sony isn't doing anything, hopefully it picks up
Well sony's not selling well anywhere,there games are geting delayed graw2 delayed to the end of year! WOW thats bad $1000 WOW thats bad,you got to be one stupid fanboy to buy the ps3 the way its going there's no helping the sales Its screwed!!!!!!!!!!!! games are glitchy peaces of crap...
If its a rip off, then don't buy it.
its dam $1000 dollars and there no 20 gig version, so we gotta pay for the full price frikin bs! W HAT A RIP OFF
i am not really sure how well the ps3 will sell in the au...hopefully there will be no shortages
@YourDaddy88 i like the way u reply to those amatures!! if u go insude there sub-consious then u will see that they now by few years the ps3 will kill x360
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I already imported mine so the main thing I care about the Euro launch is the software line up. Im getting tired of getting my games from play-asia.
Anybody getting one?
People might like to say Sony is being supportive of the PS2 and perhaps they are. Problem is when the PS2 outsells the PS3 4:1 and developers do not switch platforms, instead going for the larger and more profitable PS2 that causes the PS3 to ultimately suffers. In a way by discontinuing the Xbox and Cube the majority of developers switch to the new systems and now almost all titles are for those systems (some still spit out the old versions but it's not the main focus). How many new PS3's are going to sell because of all the AAA titles getting released on the PS2 platform compared to people picking up PS2's for those same titles, even Sony knows that is still where the money is, that's why GoW2 is a PS2 release. There are 4 consoles in this war and the PS3 is dead last by a long shot when compared to them all.
Yourdaddy88 youre so right but you dont have to waste your time with future ps3 buyers!:P Ignorant fools who are just going to buy THE CONSOLE to feel reborn when the other systems are already dead in every possible way.
60 GB model is the way to go!
Where is teh Arrogance?? :D
yourdaddy88, i completely agree with you... i owned the og xbox and felt like MS supported it horribly, leaving it in the dust way to soon.. sony on the other hand has supported all of their systems much better.
Manatassi said: "And when are people going to notice that Sony use the name of the PS2 practicaly EVERY time they are trying to say how good the PS3 is? Why cant they just talk about the PS3 on its own merits? Posibly because it simply isnt good enough?" Huh...possibly because the PS3 isn't fully released yet??? At least Sony still supports the PS2, unlike MS which left all original xcrapbox owners high and dry... 360 blows down under. Get over it.
daytona_178 said: "what an underarm tactic from sony there,,,they clearly could make enough 20GB versions. But because they are sponsored by the devil they want to bleed the consumer for al they are worth..."for shame sony, for shame" All you do is complain that Sony doesn't listen to consumers, but here they are listening to people saying "we only want the 60GB" and now they're the devil for doing so. Get a life.
Lot's of Austrailia news lately.
Blacktorn, I wouldnt be too sure about that M8 the PS2 mostly sold to young teens in the UK who dont have money. The user base for the Xbox was always older players who enjoy online gaming. Sony is alienating that user base with the simple cost factor, Parents are far more likely to be swayed by the Wii which looks more fun to them, or by the 360 which sofar actualy looks more graphicaly impressive than the PS3 in most cases and sometimes the same. The main userbase that the PS3 can apeal to is young people between the ages of 18 to 20 in college who have some money. Thats a pretty small market. If a vocal market on online forums like these sometimes :P oh and Cloud737... Realy? did you read the waffle at the end,,, or that sony are getting so desperate that they point out that they are still popular with the PS2 Yet again. I mean seriously the whole interview, admitedly better worded than their usual staements, was still spin. And when are people going to notice that Sony use the name of the PS2 practicaly EVERY time they are trying to say how good the PS3 is? Why cant they just talk about the PS3 on its own merits? Posibly because it simply isnt good enough? Anyway nuff said