Sony claims PS3 closed out 2011 “with a bang”, highlights 6.5 million unit sales

While Microsoft is enjoying an impressive 2011 which saw the Xbox 360 become the top selling console, Sony is focusing on the latter part of the year.  Sony responded to the latest monthly (and year-end) sales report from NPD.  The company noted that the PS3 finished the year strong.

In response to the NPD data, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications at SCEA Patrick Seybold said, "According to the December NPD, PlayStation 3 closed out a banner 2011 with a bang, showing increases in hardware, software and peripherals year to date."

Seybold continued, "As we reported earlier this week, consumers flocked to PlayStation consoles and handhelds this holiday season with more than 6.5 million units sold worldwide,"

Sony confirmed at CES 2012 this week that the 6.5 million units is combined sales of the PS3, PS2, PSP, and PlayStation Vita.

Hoping to build from the success of December 2011, Sony will launch the PlayStation Vita worldwide on February 22.  The PS Vita, which many consider to be struggling in Japan, sold 42,000 units in the first week of 2012.  It looks like sales are beginning to level out for the Vita, which has now sold 500,000 units in Japan as of January 5th.

Seybold expressed high hopes for 2012, with a lot resting on the success of the PlayStation Vita. ""With the highly anticipated U.S. launch of PlayStation Vita on February 22, featuring the biggest and best launch lineup across the history of PlayStation platforms, 2012 is already shaping up to be another exciting year for PlayStation."

[IndustryGamers]