Consumer interest down on expectation for PS3 - quotes from PriceGrabber.co.uk and Comet

As predicted, searches for the PS3 are drastically down in comparison to the hype around both the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 launches.

PriceGrabber.co.uk and leading electrical and games retailer Comet have found searches ahead of launch are both down on expectation :

Searches for the new console from Sony have risen by 100% two weeks prior to launch day, which is a significant jump. However, the PS3 is not proving as popular two weeks prior to its launch as its major rivals were when they came on to the market. Two weeks before the launch of Nintendo Wii in the UK, searches were up by 200% for the term 'Nintendo Wii best price' and searches were up by a whopping 435% for the Xbox 360 two weeks before its launch in December 2005. We're confident however, that interest and searches will pick up for the PS3 as we move closer to launch.

Comet Head of Games, Ross Edwards commented that, "whilst demand for PS3 has been in line with market expectations pre launch- as the official launch date looms closer interest is really building."

For further information and comment from PriceGrabber.co.uk please contact :

Susannah Hardy susannah.hardy@bitepr.com 0208 834 3427

Graham Day graham.day@bitepr.com 0208 834 3457