Harrison: PS3 Faces 'Difficult Challenge' In Replicating Predecessor's Success

Phil Harrison claims that the PS3 faces a "difficult challenge" in replicating its predecessor's success as PlayStation 2 sales sit at 146.6 million compared to its successor's 46.6 million to date. Speaking with Eurogamer, the former head of Sony Worldwide Studios said: "I hope PS3 can match PS2, but I think the market dynamics are slightly different. It's much more competitive." "For a large chunk of its life-cycle, the PS2 didn't really have any competition anywhere in the world," he added, "so Sony was able to sell a huge number of units. If PS3 does reach the same level it will take longer and it will be a more difficult challenge." Harrison was responding to comments made by Chris Deering, the founding president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, who reckoned the company's current system could be set to surpass sales of its predecessor -- if the price is right. "I think it can sell as many as PS2, maybe more," said Deering. "In the case of both PS1 and PS2, we sold more Slim units than original models. The PS3 Slim has only been out a couple of years. If you could get a PS3 for a hundred pounds... Can you imagine? It could go much higher and last longer." The PlayStation 3 launched in the UK in March 2007 for A£425 ($670) for the 60GB model. Three years later, a 160GB PS3 Slim sells for A£249.99 ($394).