Who says the Playstation 3 sales are moving slowly? Well they are, but this sudden burst of energy proves that the PS3 isn't nearly dead at the moment. They've sold 200 PS3 units in 3 minutes in Korea. Sony put some units up for sale on a TV shopping channel and suddenly, 200 were gone in 3 minutes. It was only suppose to give some hype and insight on the system, but they got an even better response. Microsoft seems to be stepping up even more against Sony, welcoming their competition. Not only will Korea get 80GB PS3s, but now they get a QWERTY keyboard with their Xbox 360 Elites.

PS3 sales is moving really slow compared to its market competitors, especially during the month that passed. This, however, is no sign at all that Sony's horse is in a critical condition. In Korea, whose market is dominated by online PC-games, 200 PS3 units were unexpectedly sold in three minutes.

Before the scheduled launch this June 16, Sony placed some units up for grabs on a cable TV shopping channel. It was supposed to fuel the hype by showing off the various functions of the console, but hungry fans could not wait more. All the units were sold almost instantly, leaving no space for any more introductions.

Sony Computer Entertainment Korea marketing manager Kang Hee-won said, "It was an amazing pace that nobody had expected. It also meant that there wasn't enough time to show off the PS3's various functions to viewers, since they were sold out before we could explain them."

Even with such warm reception, Microsoft is not backing down. Instead, Microsoft Korea marketing coordinator Lim Dae-hwan actually believes this is a good sign for both companies. He stated, "We have a positive view [on the launching of the PS3]. We welcome it. We have walked alone, but the competition will make us grow together [with Sony]." Looks like there won't be any wars here, but healthy competition, like in the UK.

As if our Korean gaming friends weren't lucky enough with their 80GB PS3s, their 360 Elites will be packed with a QWERTY keyboard. With all the love they're getting, will we see the industry bloom in Korea? After all, it's a country that embraces StarCraft like a national sport, and a place where the best on the online scene come from.

Synergized via qj.net »