PS3 - the $1200 toy - is here at last

Johnathon Larkin, of EB Games in the St Lukes Shopping Centre, carries out the PlayStation 3 boxes in readiness for the start of sales today. Photo / Paul Estcourt

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The long wait for PlayStation 3 in New Zealand could have been a ploy to keep gamers keen, as retailers expect Sony's latest console to fly off shelves today.

Despite its $1200 price tag - making it the most expensive games console to hit the market - retailers say the latest toy has had heavy pre-sales well before its official launch today.

Dick Smith merchandise manager James Cunnold said advance sales of PS3 had exceeded that of its predecessors, PlayStation 1 and 2, and rival console Xbox 360.

"Pre-orders are five times that of Nintendo Wii. Our expectation is that this is going to be our biggest gaming launch."

Mr Cunnold said many buyers were opting for the company's bundle deal, which gives an extra controller, two games and 18 months interest-free for $1495.

Another store, Gameplanet, was adding to its stock late yesterday to meet advance orders.

One retailer said advance sales had been picking up over the last week, and weekend sales would show the popularity of the new console.

"It's a good year to be a gamer."

The console's launch has not been without hiccups. Japanese and American gamers have had the PS3 since November, but its availability in New Zealand and Europe has been delayed by a shortage of blue lasers, the key part in the console's Blu-ray DVD drive.

Some retailers also reported being told by Sony New Zealand of a shortage of controllers, although more would become available next week. Nine PS3 games scheduled to go on sale with the console will not be available until Monday.

The PS3 is likely to reignite the console game wars, where the focus has largely gone on to the Wii and Xbox 360.

The PS3 has a web browser, allowing users to surf the web from their TV sets with the aid of a virtual keyboard, and a built-in hard drive for photos, music and gaming information. As well as the traditional discs, it will also have downloadable games.