PS3 sets new home console sales record across the UK

ChartTrack has confirmed that Sony sold 165,000 PlayStation 3 units over the console's weekend launch - a new home console UK record.

Despite much ridicule over lack of queues and even discounted hardware and software, the PlayStation 3 has gotten off to a record setting start here in the UK. The console behemoth sold an impressive 165,000 units over its launch weekend, and with 220,000 units available from day one there has been no stock shortages.

Sony isn't new to such success in the UK and currently holds the launch sales record with the PSP; the handheld shifted 185,000 units over its launch weekend in September 2005.

The PlayStation 3 couldn't quite topple its handheld cousin, but it was more than able to outsell its rivals' launches: the Wii managed 105,000 units back in December 2006 while the Xbox 360 only managed a paltry 70,000 when it launched in December 2005. It's worth noting that both the Wii and Xbox 360 launches were hampered quite severely by stock shortages, but this takes nothing away from the PlayStation 3's impressive launch numbers.

It remains to be seen whether Sony can maintain sales of the PlayStation 3 in the months ahead as it looks to catch Both Microsoft and Nintendo in the home console race.