PS3 is in comfortable production swing, says Sony
by Nick Doerr 
{ Jul 2nd 2007 at 3:00PM }
The multimedia home entertainment platform known as the PlayStation 3 is in the clear when it comes to production qualms. Howard Stringer and Sony both have made it public that the console is getting a smooth production line with little to no problems. Back during launch, blue laser diodes were rare and caused shortages of the system, but now Sony is stating 1.7 million diodes are being manufactured for the PS3 and standalone Blu-ray players. As one representative put it, "Production problems have now ceased, we're in full production as far as PlayStation 3 is concerned and there's a steady chain of supply in North America, Japan and Europe."That's great news! Even though sales don't currently merit a large production increase in the expensive console, a mass production effort like this may in fact assist in lowering costs of production. Couple this with the upcoming onslaught of games, you'll have the notion Sony is prepared for something big to happen with their consoles. Because, let's face it, nobody likes seeing giant piles of boxes in their favorite video game store.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mccomber @ Jul 2nd 2007 3:06PM
Too bad Sony didn't have the systems ready for the North American and Japanese launches like they did for Europe since that was when supply was low... probably have another million sales total without any trouble if they'd done that.
Hopefully the whole ramping up of production means that Sony does indeed have something up their sleeves for E3 and the coming months.
RangerPrimeX @ Jul 2nd 2007 3:44PM
Does it really matter if sales are so poor? More boxes with dust on them. I am sure Microsoft is cranking out units at a good clip today as well and at least they are selling more units in the US then PS3.
The real story would be if Nintendo was saying this as they are still scarce 9 months out from launch. Better yet if Sony released a statement that production of games was in a comfortable swing and a flood of them is coming out sooner rather than later or worse yet delayed until 2008.
BulletToothTony @ Jul 2nd 2007 4:07PM
@2 i agree that if fits more to nintendo than to sony.. being that you really can't seem to find one.. but even thou you might think that is THE SAME ps3 box sitting at walmart or wherever, is not like you put a sign at the box to know is the same one.. they all look alike after all..
my friend, who's NOT a fanboy says they pretty much order 3 per week and all 3 sell out.. once in a while they get 1 left.. of course this doesn't mean that this happens in every store.. but it also means that doesn't matter what the media says..
the ps3 is still selling.. if the 360 would've come out this same year sales for the ps3 if not the same they would be higher.. being that the # of sales for the 360 were at the same place at 6 months mark sales.. and if it wasn't for the wii selling like cold lemonade in the desert there wouldn't be so much flaming on the ps3.. anyhow.. who cares.. is not like they're gonna stop making it anytime soon
Stef Geiger @ Jul 2nd 2007 4:09PM
Well, there's probably going to be another mini-boom of PS3 sales after E3 (I think it's safe to say Sony's pulling out all the stops to impress us). Also, with a huge lineup of really great looking titles coming before Christmas, and an oft-rumored price drop coming, it'd be wise to have a large stockpile around, since running out is worse than having too many (despite what some idiots say).
Andir3.0 @ Jul 2nd 2007 4:29PM
This news isn't for us. It's for the investors.
Andy @ Jul 2nd 2007 5:36PM
"nobody likes seeing giant piles of boxes in their favorite video game store."
In the Walmart by my place in Fort McMurray they are always sold out. But with the oil boom their is money to spare so the PS3 doesn't look to expensive for most of the riggers. In case you didn't know (97% don't)
Ft. McMurray is in Alberta, Canada.
Chris Putnam @ Jul 2nd 2007 6:21PM
This is good news, but... aren't they still sitting on 3.5 million systems?
kingofwale @ Jul 2nd 2007 7:52PM
>5. This news isn't for us. It's for the investors.
and definitely not for fanboys. Bitch and Whine all you want, Sony is not going away. First AAA game for PS3 is out by the name of Ninja Gaiden.
let the console war commence.
Consolcwby @ Jul 2nd 2007 9:05PM
@Andy: Whoa - I actually thought Ft. McMurray was in Edmonton! (Ok, so my Canadian friends know jack about their home country! Who would've thunk it??!!) =S
Now, back to the thread:
Perhaps, if Sony (and it's fans) believes in that old Kevin Costner mantra from Field of Dreams: "If you build it, they will come..." then by sheer force of will, the PS3 will sell faster... =/ Ok, so maybe a holiday price cut would help it too! ;D
Andy @ Jul 2nd 2007 11:34PM
Whoa - I actually thought Ft. McMurray was in Edmonton
I did to before I moved there. Just kidding.
Just noticed this now in your post.
"Back during launch, blue laser diodes were rare and caused shortages of the system"
I interpret that as lower manufacturing costs. During launch time they probably paid employees overtime and extra money to get the materials to make the console.
"That's great news!"
Well I am glad your excited.
That picture isn't a PS3 factory is it?
Iother @ Jul 3rd 2007 6:47PM
They said they would deliver 10 or 11 million PS3's before the end of the (fiscal?) year.
Lets say it's 10 million before march. If they want to reach that number as PS3's sold to customers they will have to sell as good as the Wii from now on.
I think this is another Sony PR-statement, reality is that since the PS3 doesn't sell as good, they don't have to produce as many units so every piece of hardware is in a state of oversupply. So since they can't sell it. So if Sony has a product that doesn't sell, they'll at least have filled shelves (thats a good thing!) and have no supply shortage on any components.