Sales of the PS3 console have sky rocketed since the release of GTA IV the other week. Sony are remaining tight lipped on releasing the figures on exactly how much is a lot but they have attributed the loyal PS2 (fanboys) base as a reason. GameStop’s senior VP of merchandising Bob McKenzie had this to say, "From our position, the launch of GTA IV has been tremendous in driving traffic to our stores, as well as providing a vigorous lift in PS3 console sales over this time last week. We attribute the growth to a huge fan base of PS2 owners who see this title as the trigger for the PS3 upgrade they’ve been planning.”
So in other words, GTA IV has given the PS2 fanboys the perfect reason to upgrade to the PS3.
Analyst Michael Pachter concurs with this reasoning by saying, "There is a huge installed base of loyal PlayStation 2 owners who have been looking for a reason to upgrade, and they have strong previous ties to the Grand Theft Auto franchise on PlayStation platforms."
No doubt sales of the PS3 will jump again as the release of MGS4 draws nearer.