PlayStation®4 crowned fastest selling video games console

PlayStation®4 crowned fastest selling video games console of the decade in New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand, 5th December 2014 - As New Zealand gaming and entertainment providers gear up for the busiest sales period of the year, Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand (SCE NZ.) is today celebrating a huge milestone, with PlayStation®4 (PS4™) named as the fastest selling video games console release of the decade in New Zealand1.

This achievement comes in advance of PlayStation celebrating its 20th anniversary in the New Zealand market in 2015, and proves the PlayStation® brand continues to be the favourite place to play for New Zealand gamers. In addition to being the fastest selling console released during the past decade in New Zealand, PS4 has consistently remained the number one next-gen console since its release in November 20132, according to data from NPD Group Australia.

Further to the reception it has received from New Zealand gamers since its release, PlayStation 4 has been a significant driver in category growth since its release. According to data from NPD Group Australia, the Console Hardware category in New Zealand has increased by 92% in value since release of 8th Generation Hardware in 2013, with PlayStation 4 accounting for a substantial 46% of the total category value since its launch3.

“As PlayStation powers into its twentieth year in New Zealand, we couldn’t be happier with our position with PS4 at the top spot of the interactive entertainment industry,” said Michael Ephraim, Managing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia and New Zealand. “I’ve watched this business grow over the 20 years and have had the pleasure of being part of the monumental change in innovation and category growth. Demonstrating that New Zealand truly is a PlayStation nation, PlayStation 4 is now the fastest selling home console of the decade, and reflects the passion of our players, our partners and the quality of the PlayStation offer.”

Critical to the PlayStation experience is the best-in-class technology that underpins it. With social connectivity at the heart of PS4, the evolution of its system software is ground breaking and brings together new ways to interact with the global community. The recent release of System Software 2.0 reinforces these specifications of the device and, with a focus on innovative gaming experiences including Share Play which allows a PlayStation Plus member to invite any friend, anywhere, to take turns playing a favourite game whether they own a copy or not4. In addition to facilitates continued personalisation with the introduction of a USB Music Player, themes, home screen colours and voice control, PS4 expands on ways to connect and share gameplay videos with the world via a dedicated YouTube app.

Showing a clear commitment to The Players, PlayStation 4 offers an unparalleled software line-up for the festive season which includes SingStar™ Ultimate Party, DRIVECLUB™, Minecraft™ PlayStation®4 Edition,Far Cry® 4, Shadow of Mordor™, Grand Theft Auto 5 and LittleBigPlanet™ 3, offering something for everyone in the family. In 2015 highly anticipated and exclusive titles continue with The Order: 1886™,Bloodborne™, Until Dawn™, Tearaway™ Unfolded and Uncharted™4: A Thief’s End.

Further, SCE New Zealand continues to expand its innovative PlayStation ecosystem with the recent introduction of PlayStation®TV (PS TV); available now in stores nationwide with a recommended retail price of NZD$159.95.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
NPD Group Australia LTD sales figures week ending 23rd November 2014. Data compared against first 52 weeks sell-through data for all console releases from 2005. Source data previous to 2010 : GfK i3
NPD Group Australia, Console Hardware monthly sales data. December 25th 2013 – November 23rd 2014
NPD Group Australia, Console Hardware Time periods: November 18 2013- November 23rd 2014 compared to same time previous year
4 Share Play allows unlimited 60 minute sessions. PS Plus membership and high speed internet connection required (2Mbs upload recommended). Further conditions at nz.playstation.com/shareplay

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