Sony’s recent PS5 console price drop was welcomed worldwide, but according to the manufacturer, UK buyers weren’t budging. However, official sales data from market research company GfK says otherwise.
The PS5’s most significant price drop to date, which slashed its price to just £399 in the UK at numerous retailers, didn’t seem to have the traction Sony expected in the region.
Sony COO Hiroki Totoki reported during a recent earnings call that the sales in Japan and Asia were strong, while North America responded favorably to the promotion. However, he mentioned that the sales in the UK were a bit weak, although Europe as a whole performed well.
Totoki also revealed that PS5 hardware sales for the first quarter were 3.3 million units, a 38% increase from the previous year. While this fell slightly short of their sales target of 25 million units for the fiscal year, the ongoing promotion since July has contributed to the momentum of sales.
During the call, Totoki highlighted upcoming PS5 software releases in late 2023, such as ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’ and major third-party titles, which could potentially boost console sales.
Contrary to Sony’s statement, GfK data indicates a stronger response to the PS5 price drop in the UK. In the first week, there was a 71% rise in hardware sales, followed by an additional 59% boost in the second week.
In other news, Valve is offering refurbished Steam Decks at a 25% discount compared to the retail price. If you’re considering the Steam Deck, this could be an opportune time to purchase one at a lower cost.
As the gaming hardware writer for TechRadar, Rhys has a passion for all things gaming. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, he enjoys testing top-notch gaming hardware. In his free time, Rhys can be found immersed in games like Final Fantasy 14 and Sea of Thieves, or embracing the competitive spirit in Mario Party Superstars.
