PSP Becomes Fastest Seller Ever
Nintendo's relatively underpowered handheld proves no match for Sony's new system.
With the omnipresent hype surrounding its release, the PSP was bound to be successful - the only question was to what extent. The latest sales figures are out and Sony's portable has smashed all previous records, becoming the fastest selling video game system ever in the UK.
The portable was welcomed to Europe by hundreds of thousands of gamers on 1 September - many of them braving the midnight crowds to get in on the action early.
By the time the dust had cleared, the PSP had sold 185,000 units in the UK alone, according to industry observer Chart Track, easily putting it ahead of the previous best seller, the DS, which managed just 87,000 sales at its launch in March.
Many stores in the UK are reporting overwhelming demand for the handheld and software sales have been good too.
Nintendo has been coasting for most of the six months following the DS's release in March, with few big-name releases over the summer. But Nintendo will rejoin the fray soon, with the company putting its hopes in the lovable puppy simulator Nintendogs.
Sony will have to demonstrate a strong commitment to the PSP in Europe to catch up to the DS, which already has sizeable lead in the region.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare