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Sony claims that Playstation 3 sales have increased by more than 135% at the company's top five retailers since they announced a $100 price drop for the 60 gigabyte PS3 on July 9th.
They also say that Playstation hardware sales have increased by 161%, software by 15% and peripherals by 60%.

"The new price on the 60 GB PS3, coupled with our very strong software showing from E3, is certainly paying dividends in terms of impressive sales across the board at retail," says SCEA head Jack Tretton. "This jump in sales bodes very well for us heading into the fall as we launch an impressive arsenal of hardware and software, leading off with the new 80 GB PS3 in August along with the unveiling of highly anticipated games such as Lair and Warhawk. That will be followed by Heavenly Sword in September and six more exclusive first-party PS3 games in October, including Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction."

The Nintendo Wii led the way in the console sales race last month, selling 381,800 consoles, doubling the Xbox 360, and quadrupling the Playstation 3.


If Sony's claims are accurate, then it is possible that it will catch the Xbox 360 in monthly sales, at least for this month. June NPD numbers showed the Xbox 360 sold 198,400 units, compared to the Playstation 3's 98,500.

The sales increase might not be sustainable however, as the company revealed that the new $599 80 gigabyte bundle will be the only version of the console availble after the 60 gigabyte model sells out.


Sony has to hope that the Playstation can continue the hot streak the earned since the price drop, or it will trail Nintendo and Microsoft for the second straight Holiday season.