In response to tonight’s January’s sales figured from the NPD Group, Sony’s Jack Tretton thanked fans for making 2009 the “best yet for the PS3.” According to the Top Global Markets report by the NPD Group, consumers in the U.K., U.S., and Japan spent 15% more on PS3 software in 2009 than they did the year prior. The same category across all thee game companies is actually down 9%.
Tretton said the PS3 was the only console to post double-digit growth in sales during the past quarter. As you may recall, December was the best sales month in the history of the PS3.
“We’re nowhere near slowing down in the new year as today’s NPD numbers show a 36% sales increase on PS3 hardware when compared to last January. This is truly remarkable given the tight inventory we’ve been experiencing as a result of high consumer demand since last fall.”
He also said PS3’s software helped to drive sales. For instance, more than 500,000 people have purchased MAG, with some 270,000 games played so far.
The PlayStation Network also saw growth, with December posting a 155% increase in sales from the previous year. Tretton says there is a lot to look forward to with the release of Heavy Rain, God of War III, Final Fantasy XIII, 3D gaming, and the new Motion Controller.
Specifically speaking about 3D gaming and the Motion Controller, he said, “We know both will open entirely new doors for you to enhance your gaming experiences and will provide new ways for you to think about interactive entertainment.”