PS3 Informer

Buy PS3 Slim Early to Avoid Shortages

Sony's new PS3 Slim model has been a big success. So big in fact, that the company could face worldwide shortages on the same scale as 'Nintendo Wii mania' from a couple of years back. A number of market conditions are converging to create what could be the perfect storm for PS3 sales this winter, with many customers in the USA and Europe potentially left empty handed and disappointed. In order to avoid disappointment and to ensure that there really is a Playstation 3 under the tree for friends or family this year, we recommend ordering soon to avoid the rush.

Online retailer Amazon.com was hit by surprise when early shipments of the newer, less expensive PS3 sold out in days. The company has warned of potential shortages throughout the holidays, limiting purchases to one unit per household:

"As you may know, the PlayStation 3 120 GB is in great demand, and there are shortages of this product across the US. In an effort to provide as many customers as possible with the opportunity to purchase PlayStation 3 120 GB, we are limiting the total number of PlayStation 3 120 GB units that can be purchased. As a result, each household may only purchase one PlayStation 3 120 GB unit." The company states.

The first clue that the next few months could see a massive spike in demand for the PS3 is that sales of the PS2 have finally trailed off to near nothing. At last count there were more than 100 million PS2 consoles in the world, suggesting that until recently many consumers were waiting on the fence when it comes to HD gaming. By all indicators, this Christmas will be the moment when many customers decide to take the plunge and upgrade to a PS3. Even many Xbox 360 owners might be tempted by a PS3 now that the price has dropped to only $299 USD.

Another big factor in the popularity of the PS3 console is going to be the release status of Gran Turismo 5. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this game as a system seller, particularly in Europe. We don't yet know if the game will make its 2009 release, but we expect an announcement on that soon when the Tokyo Game Show kicks off next week.

The final factor that could help create a run on the PS3 is the penetration of HD television displays and the growing popularity of BluRay. According to The Nielsen Company, 34% of American households currently own a High Definition TV set, up from only 20% last fall. The rapid growth in HD displays despite the weak economy suggests higher demand for both film and video game content in HD.

For its part, Sony has said that it is 'committed' to meeting global demand for the new PS3. However, due to the above factors as well as the ever-important element of chance, global demand for the console might just catch Sony by surprise this year. Amazon currently has the PS3 Slim in stock (limit 1 per household) and it qualifies for free shipping.