Sony's UK and Ireland boss Fergal Gara has told VG24/7 that the company is expecting "the biggest" launch in PlayStation history when the PS4 debuts this November.
"[Pre-orders are] spectacularly up on the last generation. The number was greater than one million units and the UK represents a big chunk of that. Pre-orders are incredibly healthy. I think there are some naysayers out there who think console gaming’s on the way out: if you look at the pre-order numbers you’d come to a very different conclusion… If you go back a few months, the sheer level of demand wasn’t really anticipated. It’s the biggest we’ve ever seen. A level we’ve never seen before."
He added that the PS4's pre-order numbers prove that the console market can remain viable going forward.
"They give us every confidence that this generation will get off to a stunning start. I think there are some naysayers out there who think console gaming’s on the way out: if you look at the pre-order numbers you’d come to a very different conclusion. There’s a certainty it’s going to start with a big bang."
Gara wouldn't confirm or deny the possibility of a PS4 and Vita bundle but said that, "[It's] by no means out of the question, that we can offer the consumer a package including Vita and PS4, even round launch.”
SCEE president Jim Ryan has said that the console will launch with "all guns blazing". The company has also warned that "demand may now outstrip supply".
The PS4 is set to be released on November 15th in North America and on November 29th in Europe for $399/€399/£349.
