The 40 gigabyte PS3 launched in Japan on Sunday carrying a price tag of 39,980 yen, the same price point at which the PlayStation 2 launched back in early 2000. In addition to the rumble-ready controller (read our impressions here), Sony also released Ratchet & Clank Future as the official one year anniversary game for the platform (this honor was listed on all the promotional signs), with Koei stepping up with Dynasty Warriors 6.
It's got the price, it's got the controller, and it's at long last got some big name games. Now the question is, did Sony get Japan to wake up on Sunday morning and head out to their local game shops (in the light rain, if they were in Tokyo)?
Based on a few reports from Japan's gaming media, the answer appears to be no. On the scene at the Bic Camera in Tokyo's Yurakucho business district, a scene of pure pandemonium at last year's launch, Famitsu.com reports that no lines formed with people waiting to purchase the new model. The scene was similar at the famous Yodobashi Camera in Shinjuku, which had a crowd of just ten people at opening time.
The major bright point of the day appears to have been Dynasty Warriors 6, which was also released simultaneously for the Xbox 360. Impress Watch reports that staff at the massive Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara had to hand out numbered tickets to those waiting in line for the game. Following the store's opening, all registers on the game floor were busy clearing out lengthy lines.
Famitsu, meanwhile, reports that the Dynasty Warriors 6 hardware bundle, which combines a 40 gigabyte PS3 with Dynasty Warriors 6, sold out immediately after opening time at the Shinjuku Yodobashi.
Sony and various retailers teamed up for retail demo events to help push systems. The Yurakucho Bic had Ratchet & Clank Future, Dynasty Warriors 6, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (the disk version of the game, rather than a hard disk-based demo), and Heavenly Sword playable on one demo unit each. The Shinjuku Yodobashi chose to show off Ratchet, Dynasty Warriors and GT5 Prologue.
Famitsu managed to get some comments on the purchase habits of those who picked up Sony-related game products that day. "Nearly all those who purchased the new system are buying Dynasty Warriors 6 with it," said a Sony rep.
A Sony rep also shared some perspective on which colors are catching Japan's interest. "For the new 40 gigabyte model, Ceramic White is selling multiple times over Clear Black. As for the wireless controller [Dual Shock 3], many people who buy it already have the 20 gigabyte or 60 gigabyte models, so Piano Black is more popular."
Famitsu described sales of the PS3 at the Shinjuku Yodobashi as solid rather than explosive. We should find out what this translates to as far as numbers go later in the week.