UK PS3 sales skyrocket following new model debut

PlayStation 3 hardware sales have skyrocketed in the UK market, following the debut of Sony's latest PS3 model.

According to GFK data released on October 1 for the UK market, PS3 hardware sales increased by 138 percent from the previous week, coinciding with the UK debut of Sony's new 500GB PS3 model on September 28.

GFK reported that the new 500GB version of the console accounted for 37 percent of all PS3s sold in the UK market during the week.

Sony unveiled the new PS3 model during Tokyo Game Show in September. The new PS3 has a new body and design, approximately 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the current PS3.

It is available in 250GB and 500GB versions, in both black and white colours. A 12GB flash memory model will replace the 250GB model in PAL territories. This version of the console will be released in the UK on October 12.