PS4 Sells 1 Million Units In 24 Hours, Well On Target To Reach 3 Million By End Of 2013

Sony was hoping the PlayStation 4, PS4, connected with gamers. With an emphasis on video games, power and an affordable price, many believed the PS4 would be a "must-have," and the initial numbers are proving just that. Sony just announced 1 million PS4s were sold in the first 24 hours of availability in North America.

The PS4 was eagerly anticipated, with pre-order opportunities selling out quickly, and it was expected to beat the launch sales of the PlayStation 3 for a variety of reasons, such as cost and availability. The console was tracking well before its release, with pre-sales surpassing total sales of the PS3 during the holidays. The console was released on Nov. 16, 2006 in North America, reports BGR. Citing a Forbes analysis, the PS3 did not reach a million units sold until after the holiday season. The PS3 was hindrered by its cost, $499 for a 20GB version and $599 for the 60GB version, along with limited quantities due to a lower yield in Cell processors. Despite the early setbacks, the PS3 has sold over 80 million units worldwide.

Andrew House, president and group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc., said in a statement, "Sales remain very strong in North America, and we expect continued enthusiasm as we launch the PlayStation 4 in Europe and Latin America on Nov. 29. We are extremely grateful for the passion of PlayStation fans and thank them for their continued support."

If the PS4 does not run into any production issues that would limit the available stock, the console could even surpass Sony's lofty expectations. The company wanted to sell 3 million units by the end of 2013, notes the Los Angeles Times. The number of units sold would be bolstered by the European and Latin American rollout, with Sony expecting an additional 2 million units sold when the PS4 is released in Japan on Feb. 22, 2014, bringing the total number sold up to 5 million.