The European launch of the PlayStation 3 is just days away
and retailers are saying that demand is phenomenal. “After nearly twenty years
in the business I've never known such charged anticipation for a console launch
- it's getting a little crazy and we're still over a week away,” said veteran
independent retailer Steve O'Brien to GamesIndustry.
Demand for Sony’s new console is cooling throughout North America
and Japan, but European gamers appear to be eager to land the newest
PlayStation. Unlike the past PS3 launches, however, retailers are expecting
ample supply of consoles. “Interest in PS3 is building the closer we get to
launch. Much of our stock is accounted for via pre-orders, which may mean that
some of our stores can actually look forward to selling some live stock for a
change,” said Tim Ellis of HMV.
Retailers were planning for midnight launches, but police
have been urging store managers to defer sales until the early morning in the
interest of consumer safety.
“We do not support these midnight launches, that is the
bottom line. There are inherent problems we can't deal with easily,” a
spokesperson for Marylebone Police in London has told GamesIndustry.
“If the launches do go ahead, we have to negate the issues as far as we can,
but we can't remove the risk factors for people coming to or going away from
the store … It would be better if these launches were held during the daytime.”
UK retailer GAME has decided to move its midnight opening at
its flagship Oxford Street store to 7 a.m., following London’s Metropolitan
Police concerns. GAME says its decision “will guarantee gamers have access to
public transport so they can easily and safely transport their consoles home in
daylight.”
Anna Macario, GAME’s Marketing Director, states, “The launch
of the PS3 is a big deal to our customers. We are managing the launch so it is
safe for them, and the only thing they have to concentrate on is securing their
new console.”
HMV is moving the opening of its Oxford Street store to 7:30
a.m. for similar reasons, while 50 other stores in less high-profile areas will
maintain their midnight launch schedules.
To help make up for the small delay, HMV is teaming up with
Sega to offer the first 150 customers purchasing a PS3 a free copy of Virtua Tennis 3.
GAME is inviting the first 150 gamers who have pre-ordered the console to the
store at 7 a.m. for bacon butties, pastries and coffee and the chance to claim
Sony goodie bags. After 9 a.m. the store will be open for all GAME customers.
The PlayStation 3 launches in Europe March 23, priced £425
or €599.