Sony says PS3 manufacturing problems all shored up

We'll believe it when we see it. After suffering through what could very well be the most abysmal launch quantity of all time, Sony says that it has ironed out its manufacturing snags and is now back on track to have one million PS3s "in the pipeline" by the December 31, 2006. According to Sony's PR head, David Karraker: "We will continue to utilise airfreight delivery for PlayStation 3 to assure a steady stream of systems for North American consumers through the end of the year." One million units sure is a tall order, given the mere 197,000 boxes Sony managed to move in November, and we can't help but wonder if "pipeline" means "chugging through a factory" or "landing on shelves" by December 31st, but we suppose we'll know either way in a couple of weeks. Luckily for Sony, that certain console of theirs that wasn't bleeding ~$250 per sale for the company sold like gangbusters: 664,000 units, besting both the Wii and 360 in North America. FFXII FTW!

[helava @ Dec 12th 2006 2:20PM]

My guess is that "in the pipeline" is as technically true as they can get. So, a million units "in the pipeline" probably means that they've got a million units of the power button complete, or a million units of the plastic casing made. If you expect a million units on store shelves, then you probably also still believe that Killzone 2 will look like it did at E305.

Come on, let's see at least a marginal amount of credulity, here. Isn't it about time people started taking Sony to task for lying to them?

[sracer @ Dec 12th 2006 2:49PM]

Yes, you nailed it! This announcement is simply Sony FUD. It was designed specifically to neutralize those specific would-be PS3 buyers who are now considering buying an XBox360 instead. So Sony makes another promise, dangling the carrot of "greater availability".

Given Sony's track-record on delivering promises, anyone who changes their mind based on yet another promise has no one to blame but themselves when Sony fails to deliver.

[Jay @ Dec 12th 2006 2:32PM]

I don't know if this is any indication that supplies are picking up, but my costco (Winston-Salem, NC) had multiple palettes of their ps3 bundles today - they were selling at a decent pace, and there were still a bunch when I left the store about an hour ago.

[TheCash @ Dec 12th 2006 2:33PM]

What 'certain console' are they talking about... the PS2? Who in god's name would still be buying that thing new at this point when you can pick one up with a bunch of games and extra controllers at any decent garage sale for $50?

[tristanfey @ Dec 12th 2006 4:52PM]

Lots of people apparently. Up through October the PS2 was still outselling the X-Box, Gamcube and X-Box 360 each month for new retail sales.

[Veritas II @ Dec 12th 2006 2:47PM]

Actually, any GameStop employee can tell you that PS3 shipments have been steadily coming in since launch. Not too much research for you to do, is it?

"Sony, he said, is shipping roughly 75,000-100,000 units to the U.S. each week."

http://money.cnn.com/2006/12/08/technology/personaltech/ps3sales/index.htm?postversion=2006120810

[Loban @ Dec 12th 2006 2:53PM]

So they plan to having a whole 1 million PS3s available by the end of the year eh? That would be impressive if Nintendo hadn't already SOLD over 1 million Wiis only 3 weeks after it's launch.

[your left nut @ Dec 12th 2006 3:00PM]

Why does everyone think the 360 will sell well? It barely outsold the GC from what I have read. The 360 is an XBOX with better graphics. Otherwise, it brings nothing new to the table. (think Dreamcast) If I remember correctly the 360 had its share of manufacturing quality issues when it first shipped. Yes, the 360 and the HD drive is readily available everywhere I have looked and you know what, I have not seen anybody with one in hand to buy.

[Jason @ Dec 12th 2006 3:55PM]

According to your logic the PS3 is a PS2 with better graphics and the Wii is a new controller for the Gamecube.

[Kevin @ Dec 12th 2006 5:18PM]

You are an idiot. I feel better now. Sorry about that outburst.

[your left nut @ Dec 12th 2006 3:01PM]

I meant to say that the xbox barely outsold the GC.

[tsuyopon @ Dec 12th 2006 3:14PM]

(your left nut) oh please...isn't PS3 just a beefed up PS2 as well. I also own a xbox 360, and I can assure you that it's definitely worth it to move to the next gen. Have you seen the graphics from Gears of War??? It cerntainly blew every console games away...including anything from PS3 thus far. If you are looking for revolutionary console instead of evolutionary one, maybe Wii will be your better bet. I have a Wii, and I'm lovin' it.

[tsuyopon @ Dec 12th 2006 3:02PM]

I can probably quantifiy that the production is definitely ramping up. Last week, I just walked in to a local toys'r us and snatched up two PS3. They didn't even enforce the one per customer rule. I guess I could have gotten more PS3s if I really wanted to, or if my credit card allows. I also called a local gamestop and they had some PS3 as well. And I aint from the booneys. I happened to be from Los Angeles. I planned to keep one and sell one on eBay, but this is definitely bad news for me, since Sony announced that they will meet their initial projection of 1 million unit. I guess I will need to return one PS3, because I don't think it will be a problem finding one like 2 weeks ago. Bummer.

[Andy @ Dec 12th 2006 3:06PM]

Wii outselling 3 fold, 360's Live Video Marketplace and XNA Game studio...Sony's really feeling the burn now, and making more empty promises to try to keep the hype, which is all they've really got! GO BLU-RAY!!! HA, HA, HA, LOL!!!

[Alex C @ Dec 13th 2006 5:19AM]

I wouldn't laugh at Blu-Ray just yet. It has backing from the far larger and far more influential tech companies, along with support from 7 of the 8 major movie studios (Universal being the 1 that isn't) while HD-DVD has only drawn support of 3 them, with their only exclusive provider being Universal.

In fact, i should save myself the rhetoric and just direct you to this page:

http://www.blu-raydisc.com/general_information/Section-14009/Index.html

[Andy @ Dec 12th 2006 3:08PM]

They've only sold 400,000 and you walked in and bought two of them, within a month after launch with more on the shelf not even touched...now THAT'S funny!

[Farris @ Dec 12th 2006 3:40PM]

tsuyopon, I think what "Your left nut" was referring to is that the PS3 actually is mostly new components on the inside (New type of processor, new disk drive type, etc)

From what I understand (which I'll admit isn't a whole lot), the X360 basically is a new case, new processor/graphics card.

So maybe that's putting it a little too generalized, but I think you get the point.

[tsuyopon @ Dec 12th 2006 3:28PM]

(Andy) I didn't believe it at first. I was at toys'r us looking for a toy for my 9 month old. I knew that the PS3s were all sold out, so I almost didn't even bother to ask. But when I did, I was able to get two of them. Well, they did force me to buy a game with the second console. If I had more limits on my credit card, I guess I could have bought all 8 of them. Cuz restricting one per customer doesn't seem to be their policy any longer, which lend me to belive that plenty more are coming. Go on eBay and check the prices on PS3, they are no longer going for $2000+ like 2-3 weeks ago. You can probably get one for $50 over the retail price. Doesn't that tell you something??? Oh, and check the Wii, you still probably need to pay doulbe from its retail price on eBay.

[Steve @ Dec 12th 2006 4:25PM]

Hmm, so let's see, the Toys R Us web site is still out of stock and lists two bundles for sale, the 20gb at $899 and the 60gb at $999. EB Games web site lists two bundles, the cheapest of which is a thousand bucks, and neither of which is available until the 5th of January. Amazon is out of stock and the cheapest private seller is around the $1,200 mark. Sony is out of stock on their web site, as is everyone else who isn't a private seller according to the PS3 locator. Yes, ebay prices have dropped to something less insane but there's still a good $200 mark-up to be made, more if you get lucky and you get a bidding war on your lot.

And yet you found a store that isn't enforcing bundles and that had 8 consoles in stock? Sorry, but it just sounds utterly phony. How about posting a pic of the receipt and pointing us at your e-bay listing?

[jhranjr @ Dec 12th 2006 3:37PM]

XBOX fanboys sure are hardcore. If this would have been a post saying that Nintendo (or Microsoft) are making 1 billion units by Christmas, it would have been like... hmm big deal. BTW, in my town all we have is a Wal-Mart and I have yet to see a PS3 in there except for the display. I'm tired of playing Gears of War over and over again, the chainsaw is getting old... :( o well.

[xVariable @ Dec 12th 2006 3:53PM]

Farris: The phrase "is mostly new components on the inside (New type of processor, new disk drive type, etc)" applies just as equally to the 360 as the PS3.

The difference to some people is they say the PS3 is GROSSLY overengineered and complex, which isn't a benefit, contrary to what Sony's marketing says: they say it will make the PS3 so difficult to make games for that only a fraction of the system's potential will ever be realized.

[jhranjr @ Dec 12th 2006 3:41PM]

I also didn't know those stats about the PS2. That's kind of impressive.

[Bill @ Dec 12th 2006 3:43PM]

a BILLION units? wow!

[jhranjr @ Dec 12th 2006 3:49PM]

@ Bill, you must be a SONY fan.

[Dave @ Dec 12th 2006 3:50PM]

Go go go! :)

[Mike_C @ Dec 12th 2006 3:53PM]

"The 360 is an XBOX with better graphics. Otherwise, it brings nothing new to the table."

Wrong, the 360 can act as a media center extender right out of the box, the original xbox required more software, plus a disc in the drive with the software on it to run as an extender. 360 has access to more options on xbox live, can access shared folders on pcs, has built-in wireless for controllers and accessories, as well as many other features. Saying the 360 is just an xobx with better graphics proves you have never seen or used one, or looked at one with an unbiased perspective.

[jhranjr @ Dec 12th 2006 4:06PM]

Personally I own a 360, and love it. I also plan to buy a PS3 when one becomes available in my area. IMO, I think the PS3 went for a more "futuristic" feel. They used Blu-ray as the standard, Bluetooth, touch-sensitive buttons, the UI, etc. But I'll just have to wait and see.

[Bill Clark @ Dec 12th 2006 4:09PM]

jhranjr why do you assume that? i am a game fan... i wish i could afford any on the new systems (new baby boy twins suck all my $$) ...but i did manage to get Zelda TP today!

[jhranjr @ Dec 12th 2006 4:16PM]

I just think if you sit both systems side-by-side, the PS3 looks and feels more "futuristic".

[Shaymus22 @ Dec 12th 2006 4:18PM]

Sony says a lot of things...

[Michael @ Dec 12th 2006 4:38PM]

Can someone pls tell me WHICH console they are referring to?
"Luckily for Sony, that certain console of theirs that wasn't bleeding ~$250 per sale for the company sold like gangbusters: 664,000 units, besting both the Wii and 360 in North America."

[Bill Clark @ Dec 12th 2006 3:28PM]

the PS3 is loseing $250 per-unit. that is it cost at least $250 MORE to make each unit than they are selling for.

[Michael @ Dec 12th 2006 4:42PM]

I realize SONY is losing $250 per PS3. What I'm curious about is what OTHER console (the one that does NOT lose $250 a pop) was that article referring to. Would that be PS2? If so - I can't believe SONY sold over 600K PS2s (in the US alone?) in less than one month (presumably - since launch date of PS3). Or are they talking about PSP? In which case I'm equally as surprised (even though like my PSP).

[Gamey McGee @ Dec 12th 2006 5:07PM]

It is not surprising that Sony sold 600K+ PS2's in one month. They've sold over 100 million in total so far. On average, Sony has sold about 1.3 million PS2's per month since launch. (Obviously some months are much more than others but that is the average.)

Not you, but other people, have greatly underestimated the success of the PS2 and the coat tails and brand recognition that brings for the PS3.

The XBox 360 has a lot more mind share than market share, for example.

[FrankTheCrank @ Dec 12th 2006 4:52PM]

HOLY CRAP!!!

The PS2 sold 2/3 of a Million systems in one month? so for the entire Christmas holiday season, PS2 could potentially sell a 1.5 million units, if no 2 million units...this is last gen...that's 25% of what Microsoft sold all year.

That's phenomenal! No wonder Sony can gamble with the PS3 right now. It's all gravy...even with the PS3 hit. WOW.

[your left nut @ Dec 13th 2006 12:09PM]

you are brilliant.

[glitched @ Dec 12th 2006 5:40PM]

Yes micheal, they are refering to the PS2. the ps2 easily sold 600k units alone in the US last month, and will undobtedly sell many more this month.

for those that are shocked by these numbers take a look at the past year, and even past xmas's

http://vgcharts.com/page3.html

those are NPD sold numbers for the US only!

[Tech^Cellfish @ Dec 12th 2006 5:40PM]

Ship to Europe instead!

[evilfixx @ Dec 12th 2006 5:58PM]

uh, Loban, you need to shut up and look at more of the Wii propaganda spit out by Engadget...

http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/10/nintendo-retracts-promise-of-one-million-wiis-for-us/

They retracted the 1 million Wii for the US, which means that they haven't sold 1 million. if people are going to make bash statements... (look to the article) then let's put all pieces on the board. 360s only have Gears of War to sell systems right now... Viva Pinata really isn't too impressive, just Pokemon you can beat the crap out of. The Halo franchise is about as fun as filling a box with rocks, and those who say otherwise are as dumb as said box.

I agree that "in the pipeline" is vague as hell, but they're not making bold statements. Plus, they're still selling PS2s at a higher rate than the 360 or the Wii. Which means people who are buying systems are saying "Well, I can't get a PS3 right now, the Wii has nothing I'm interested in, and the 360... meh. So i'll buy a PS2." Yes I plan on buying all three, I have a 360 for Gears, which is a great game, short but great. I may buy a Wii for Mario and Metroid, though it is a GC1.5, and as soon as there's a good quantity of PS3s, i'll get one of those.

[Inspired @ Dec 12th 2006 7:09PM]

You should know better than to say people bought the PS2 because the Wii has nothing interesting. If PS3 and Wii were available to the tune of 1 million units in North America at launch, can you guess how many of those would've sold? Yeah, 1 million a piece, and they would've beat the PS2. And the Wii has sold over 1 million consoles worldwide. Already 400,000 in Japan, 600,000 in North America, and 100,000 in the UK.

[Dispraiser @ Dec 12th 2006 6:06PM]

Didn't they promise 400,000 on the US launch (and deliver half as many)? These companies all lie about the numbers of consoles they make, because the employ hopeless optimists. Nintendo seems to be the only one that can make as many consoles as they promise, but it's obviously arguable that they don't use nearly as sophisticated of components. Personally, I have an Xbox 360 right now, and I honestly regret buying it. I'm not sure what convinced me it was a good idea to get the technologically inferior system of this matchup. I went with Xbox last round because it was better hardware.

[Craig Scott @ Dec 12th 2006 8:26PM]

Well well, it's fine for all of you on the other side of the pond but here in Australia have to wait until march to even see stock go on the shelf for a tidy sum of $999 aud. Again we have to pay more and wait longer. And for those of you who say "just get one sent over", Why I should I have to pay freight as well as a top notch transformer just so that I don�t blow it up, with the bonus of not to be covered by warranty because it imported. So don't get upset unless you have a legitimate reason!

[sony @ Dec 12th 2006 9:53PM]

I say to:
"Luckily for Sony, that certain console of theirs that wasn't bleeding ~$250 per sale for the company sold like gangbusters: *664,000 units*, 'besting both the Wii and 360 in North America'. FFXII FTW!" -
"The reckoning is wrong."
and:
"I wonder if the PS4 will include a rootkit pre-installed..."

[Galley @ Dec 13th 2006 9:52AM]

Our Best Buy got five of the 20 giggers in last Sat. The problem is that no one wants the "tard" version without Wi-Fi. At least they make decent Blu-ray players for that price.

[salut @ Dec 13th 2006 7:36PM]

If Sony can still sell 600,000 PS2's, then they're probably delaying the PS3 on purpose. Think about it.

So while you fools (MS fanboys in particular) b1tch & moan, Sony are still doing exceptionally well in the gaming market whether you like it or not :)

Hopefully both Nintendo & Sony dominate the gaming market together, and leave Microsoft in their own pile of sh1t. Microsoft have no heart, or passion.

It's aaaaaa Son-e.