Realistic expectations

Sony has revised its annual sales forecast for the PlayStation Vita and PSP for the second time this year. Speaking during its quarterly financial briefing, the company explained that it now expects the handheld systems to sell a combined total of 10 million units by 31st March, 2013. It had previously predicted a tally of 16 million units, before lowering that forecast to 12 million units back in August. Fortunately, the company maintained that it expects to sell 16 million home consoles during the same timeframe.

For the second quarter ending 30th September, PlayStation sales slumped by 15.8 per cent compared to the same period last year. In total, the brand raked in ¥148.2 billion ($1.85 billion). The decrease, according to Sony, was due to “lower sales of hardware and software of the PlayStation 3 and PSP, partially offset by the contribution of the PlayStation Vita introduced in December 2011.”

Operating income also declined year-on-year, from ¥3 billion to ¥2.3 billion ($29 million). Sony added that the decrease was due to the aforementioned drop in sales, and also “unfavourable foreign exchange rates, partially offset by a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses."

The company sold a combined 3.5 million PS3 and PS2 units during the second quarter, down from 4.9 million the year prior. Handheld sales reached 1.6 million, reduced slightly from 1.7 million the previous year. While the drop seems minimal, that’s a disappointing number considering the Vita wasn’t available 12 months ago.

However, software sales on both sides improved. The PS3 and PS2 shifted a combined 41.4 million units, up from 40.2 million, while handheld software increased from 8.2 million units to 8.7 million.

Overall, the Japanese manufacturer reported sales of ¥1.6 trillion ($20.5 billion), up 1.9 per cent over the previous year. Furthermore, it slashed its overall quarterly net loss from ¥27 billion to ¥15.5 billion ($198 million). A loss is a loss, but at least things are moving in the right direction.

[source siliconera.com, via computerandvideogames.com]