PS4 Releases In Japan, Sony Announces 5.3 Million Consoles Sold Worldwide

Sony’s next-gen PlayStation 4 launched in Japan on Feb. 22, but the console was doing just fine before it even became available to Japanese consumers.

Last Tuesday, Sony revealed it sold more than 5.3 million PS4s as of Feb. 8 since hitting shelves in North American last November. During its first 24 hours of availability, the system sold 1 million units. In two weeks, 2.1 million PS4s had flown off shelves in North America.

“I am thrilled that so many customers around the globe have continued to select PS4 as the best place to play throughout and beyond the holiday season,” group CEO Andrew House said in a statement.

“We are delighted that according to the NPD Group’s latest data, PS4 was January’s top-selling console in the United States. The PS4 system’s momentum just keeps growing stronger, and we are extremely grateful for the continued passion and support of PlayStation fans. Feb. 22 sees the launch of PS4 in Japan, and I’m looking forward to Japanese fans sharing the excitement of the deep social capabilities and entertainment experiences only possible on PS4.”

House revealed that 4.2 million PlayStation 4s have been sold worldwide as of Dec. 28, 2013. The Japanese electronics brand added that the PS4 was its most successful console launch of all time.

"The momentum of the PS4 system keeps getting stronger, and we couldn't be more thrilled gamers worldwide are enjoying the incredibly immersive gaming experiences along with deep social capabilities and entertainment provided by our network," House stated. "After a remarkable launch, we look forward to bringing even more exciting content and continuing to explore the power of the PS4 system by adding new features and services.”

One week later after its launch, the PS4’s next-gen competitor, Microsoft’s Xbox One, launched in 13 countries on Nov. 22. There’s no confirmed release date for the Xbox One in Japan – so there’s little competition in that region for Sony. Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Worldwide Studios, told The Verge there has been a "great response" from both Japanese buyers and electronic retailers. "In a sense I hope [PS4 sells out in Japan too]," Yoshida said. "That's what's been happening outside Japan, so it would be strange to see just in Japan that there are units everywhere."

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