WINDHOEK – As of yesterday afternoon only one retailer in Windhoek had the Playstation 4 (PS4) in stock, but only four units were left. All other Namibian retailers however said that the popular gaming console sold out within 48 hours of receiving stock from neighbouring South Africa. In Namibia the PS4 is selling for about N$7 500.
During mid-December Ster Kinekor Entertainment, which provides all Playstation supplies in southern Africa, announced that the PS4 officially sold out in South Africa in less than 24 hours making it the fastest selling console in Ster Kinekor Entertainment (SKE) history, according to its most recent sales figures. And, although no sales figures were available for Namibia as of yet, globally Sony has sold 4.2 million PS4 consoles, not including Japan.
The latest addition to the PlayStation hardware portfolio, which has been built for gamers and inspired by developers, was officially introduced in South Africa on December 10 before going on sale at midnight on December 12.
Ster Kinekor Entertainment advised that the PS4 beat all records previously held by Sony’s PlayStation, PS2, PS3, PSP and PSVita.
“It has been an interesting road full of surprises this last year in the lead up to the PS4™ announcement and we are ecstatic that we’ve broken a SKE record with these sales thanks to our loyal customers and stakeholder support,” said Mario Dos Santos, CEO of Ster Kinekor Entertainment (SA).
“The demand continues to overwhelm supply, but we’re working extremely hard to get PS4™consoles into the hands of customers as quickly as possible”, added Dos Santos.
Since the unveiling of the much anticipated console, gamers have shown huge interest in the PS4.
According to Sony Computer Entertainment the focus now is to rebuild stock levels so that those who have not been able to get a PS4 can finally experience the next-generation gaming console.
Although Sony Computer Entertainment managed to set records, the company could have sold many more PS4 units in the United Kingdom last year.
Despite ample supply, the next-generation system quickly sold out at retailers across the world.
As of December 28, 2013, the console manufacturer stated, the PS4 was able to sell 4.2 million units worldwide. The new next-generation system came out first in North America on November 15 while the United Kingdom region did not get the product until November 29.
Technology experts from around the world also say it might take a couple of months for supply levels to meet the ravenous demand that has surrounded the device since its launch.
“It breaks my heart if somebody’s got the money and they want a PS4 but we can’t sell them one,” said Sony Computer Entertainment’s UK boss, Fergal Gara.
By Edgar Brandt