During the 2006 Christmas season, stores braced themselves for the PlayStation 3 release date. PlayStation 2 was wildly successful and the newest version was expected to be just as or more popular. The predictions of huge sales were accurate. Many people were disappointed when they did not get one of the new game consoles. Shoppers lined up for hours when they heard that a few of the consoles were available. What was not anticipated was the increase in crime that occurred as customers who could not get one resorted to stealing them. The newspapers were full of stories about criminals targeting the new video game console during the holiday season.

Like the release of the older models, PlayStation and PlayStation 2, the release of PlayStation 3 first occurred in Japan. North Americans got their taste of the new game on November 17, 2006 when the game console hit the stores in time for the Christmas season. PlayStation 3 is touted as the best of the best in gaming systems, even though it still lags behind PlayStation 2 in overall sales. In 2008, two years after its release, it was a popular Christmas gift among people of all ages.

After the PlayStation 3 release date, shoppers began focusing on the games. With a new ratings system in place, parents had an easier time choosing what games were suitable for their young children. This was found in a rating of “E,” which means it is for everyone. One of the most popular “E” games is “Star Wars Lego,” a game that allows young children to enjoy the Star Wars legacy without the violence that parents don’t like. Another popular game for young children is anything in the Mario Brothers’ series. Teens love the more mature games such as Tomb Raider and Final Fantasy. The games and their upcoming release dates are listed on http://www.eurogamer.net/releases.php?platform=PS3 or www.uk.playstation.com/psn.

Other games targeting older audiences remain best sellers for stores selling PlayStation 3 and its accessories. Series like “Grand Theft Auto,” “Resident Evil” and “Call of Duty” actually outsell the games targeting the younger kids. Presales in advance of the PlayStation 3 release date of these games are always strong. The most anticipated release date of 2009 had not been revealed as of February 2009. The eighth installment in the “Final Fantasy” series is slated to be out sometime during the year. Like its predecessors, “Final Fantasy XIII” is expected to be a best seller at game stores and discount retailers across the country.

While many consumers purchased the console right after the PlayStation 3 release date, many more people continue to purchase accessories. Some of the most popular are the wireless remote that include a keyboard for texting. Bluetooth, the popular headsets mostly known for cell phones are a part of PlayStation 3 now. A compatible Bluetooth is one of the most popular items sold. Microphones are available for those who want to use some of the musical programs available with PlayStation 3.

The PlayStation 3 release date is the latest in a long line of success stories for Sony. Since bringing PlayStation into the market in the 90’s, the company has risen to the top of the video gaming world. While the Nintendo Wii is giving the company a strong challenge with its remote operating system, PlayStation 2 remains a top seller.