The PlayStation VR was launched in October 2016 and is performing well in the market. Earlier in February, it was revealed that Sony managed to sell around 915,000 PlayStation VR headsets since launch, surpassing the company's expectations.
Since February, the company bettered its PlayStation VR headset sales and has now announced that it sold over 1 million units worldwide, leaving behind competitors like HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
Sony's PlayStation VR Sales Exceed 1 Million Units
Sony's PlayStation VR headset is placed comfortably ahead of the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift headsets in terms of sales. A SuperData report suggests that by 2016 end, the Vive and the Oculus Rift sold roughly 420,000 and 243,000 units, respectively. However, Samsung is consistently leading the market with over 5 million Gear VR headset sales worldwide.
Sony's President and CEO Shawn Layden believes that the work is far from over and would not like to rest on the laurels. The company is looking to increase the sales of its PlayStation VR headset. Layden says that 1 million units sold indicates that just a fraction of the 60 million PlayStation 4 users around the globe are using the device.
Layden partly blames the lack of availability for the slower sales of the PlayStation VR headset. Toward the end of 2016, many stores ran out of the PlayStation VR, which is why many interested buyers could not purchase the headset.
"We got to a point around Christmas where you would be hard-pressed to find VR anywhere," Layden explained.
He revealed that lack of interesting software or games also contributed to limited PlayStation VR headsets being sold. Apart from games like Thumper, Rez Infinite, and Resident Evil 7 there have not been any other titles which bring out the glory of the VR experience in the PlayStation 4 console.
What Lies Ahead For PlayStation VR?
In May, sci-fi shooter Farpoint released alongside the Aim Controller peripheral, which the Sony CEO believes ushers in the second wave of titles to hit the VR platform. He also hinted at revealing a number of VR-based titles at the upcoming E3 event. However, Layden did not offer any information regarding what these games may be.
Apart from games, Sony Pictures — in association with director Vince Gilligan — is in talks to bring the highly popular Breaking Bad to the PlayStation VR. What this could mean is anyone's guess. However, the prospect of enjoying Walter White's story through VR is exciting. All eyes will be on Sony's E3 2017 conference, where the company may make some exciting announcements.
