Sony: PS3 moves 1 million units in three weeks

Sony has sent word that it has moved 1 million PS3's worldwide in the past three weeks since the launch of its slimmer, less expensive models.

And with Sony announcing that the whole of Europe will have video service support by the end of 2010, that will probably help sales as well - we peeked into our very own crystal ball on that one.

"While maintaining cutting-edge features and functions, such as the ability to enjoy high quality interactive entertainment content including Blu-ray Disc games and movies as well as various content and services downloadable through PlayStation Network, the new PS3 is available at a highly attractive recommended retail price," reads the press release.

The press release, loaded with happy thoughts, is past the break.

New PlayStation(R)3 Retail Sales Achieve 1 Million Units in 3 Weeks Worldwide

TOKYO, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. today announced that retail sales of its new PlayStation®3 (PS3®) (CECH-2000A) computer entertainment system achieved a total of 1 million units(*1) worldwide in the 3 weeks since its launch on September 1, 2009(*2). The expansion of the PS3 platform is being accelerated along with the introduction of more and more new and exciting software titles as well as the enhancement of PlayStation®Network.

While maintaining cutting-edge features and functions, such as the ability to enjoy high quality interactive entertainment content including Blu-ray Disc™ games and movies as well as various content and services downloadable through PlayStation Network, the new PS3 is available at a highly attractive recommended retail price of 29,980 yen (including tax), US$299 and euro 299, with an extremely streamlined form factor and a pre-installed 120GB Hard Disk Drive. Furthermore, the reduction of power consumption and fan noise as well as the casual appearance have also become drivers in attracting a larger and broader range of users.

Along with the vast line-up of attractive and exciting entertainment content to be released this holiday season from third-party game developers and publishers as well as from SCE Worldwide Studios, SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment.

(*1) The number is based on SCEI’s estimation.

(*2) The new PS3 became available in stores on September 1, 2009, in North America, Europe/ PAL territories, Asian countries and regions, and in Japan on September 3, 2009.