PlayStation’s new console is already selling fast.
Japanese gamers have caused PlayStation Portal streaming handheld to sell out quickly in Japan and one retailer has instituted a lottery schedule similar to what was implemented when PlayStation5 initially went on sale.
Genki JPN, a Japanese Twitter user, reported that Portal sold out within 12 hours of release in Japan. As pointed out by Genki JPN again, however, Japan faces an enormous scalping problem which was evident with PS5s; perhaps similar practices could play out here too – although scalping issues exist with any form of technology or pop culture, so they could affect any country worldwide.
Genki tweeted out 12 different stores that reported being completely sold-out – from Amazon and Rakuten to other smaller shops like Genki’s own stores in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Japanese love handheld gaming, so its immense success shouldn’t come as any surprise. Even though the Portal differs from typical handhelds in that its games stream directly from PS5, rather than being physically released or downloaded as physical media files – Japan has managed to sell out virtually every handheld available since launch!
Nintendo DS stands as proof of handheld gaming’s widespread appeal; selling over 60 million units in North America but managing 33 million sales in Japan with less than 25% population ownership of twin-screen console. 26% of Japanese owned the Nintendo DS!
With Japan’s widely available internet and the numerous WiFi spots across cities, the Portal could open the way for increased mobile gaming on-the-go. But sales numbers might fluctuate given that its specific case makes for limited sales like that seen with PS Vita or PSP systems.
PlayStation Portal will launch in the UK for PS199.99 on 15 November. At first, many found its announcement rather pointless when so many other machines can run PlayStation Remote Play; but for those that like gadgets and playing while sitting on the toilet, this handheld could be ideal.
