PSP sales rocket following relaunch

Sony has hailed the introduction of its Portable PlayStation Slim & Lite handheld console a success after the unit notched up 17,000 sales in its first week.

The updated system was launched September 14 and Sony is now busy preparing to release its new Go! range of multimedia software for the device.

“We are very happy with the launch of Slim & Lite,” a Sony spokesperson said. “The first week sales have come in at 17,000, so around a four-fold increase on the previous week.

“We expected sales in previous weeks to be low as we moved old stock through the channel.

"But now we are back on track and preparing for new products such as Go! Explore and Go! Messenger, which illustrate the PSP’s unique offering. Retail has been very supportive. The introduction of PSP Slim & Lite – and the moving through of stock of the previous PSP – has been a very smooth transition.”