Responding to 1UP in regard to yesterday's NPD sales numbers that showed strong PS2 sales but PS3 numbers under half of their original shipment figures, Sony says they're still looking to have 1 million PlayStation 3 consoles at retail...err, make that "in the pipeline" before the new year.

Sony's official statement contained the following:

We will continue to utilize airfreight delivery for the PLAYSTATION 3 to assure a steady stream of systems for North American consumers through the end of the year. And while initial day-one launch shipment goals weren't achievable due to early manufacturing issues, those problems have been resolved and we do remain focused on having one million PS3's in the pipeline by December 31, 2006.

I suppose it's possible. Just to be safe, start holding your breath.... NOW. Michael McWhertor

Sony Responds to NPD Figures [1UP]

We got two separate tips today from our retail chain connection, both with info on forthcoming Wii and PlayStation 3 shipments. First, let's check in with our Circuit City pals:

I work at Circuit City and we're supposed to be doing a company wide re-launch of the Wii on Sunday, December 3rd. My store is getting 54 units, which is slightly above the average of 40 or so, and every Circuit is getting between 15 and 132 consoles.

Also, every Circuit will be getting 5-40 PS3's across this week (before 12/1) and next week (between 12/1 and 12/6). My store is getting 26 across both weeks, which is once again above the average. The PS3's will be both 20 and 60 GB models. Mostly 60 GB's at roughly a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio. The PS3's are supposed to be sold upon receipt, so people might want to check their local store's truck schedule.

Sounds dangerously promising! But what about elsewhere?

Our Target retail spy had this to say:

You guys shouldn't have a problem getting a Wii on sunday. Target has gotten about 50 each for Sunday. Most stores have sold them early, but if the stores where you guys are haven't you should be fine.

Since we can't verify this with 100% accuracy (or the blog standard 89% accuracy), we'll call this info "rumor" for now.

Now I'm giving you this information out of the kindness of my heart, dear reader. But if I show up at the Sunset Boulevard Circuit City on Sunday and come out sans Wii or PS3, I'm going to tear every one of you a new one. I'm not sure yet what fresh orifice it is I'll be tearing, but you probably won't like it. Michael McWhertor

The store did not get extra 60GB models to make up for the 20GB shortage. Maybe this is why the Playstation 3 shipments to the U.S. are being reduced. I'll be checking in with Sony P.R. this morning to see what I can find out. Brian Crecente

After learning that specialty retailer Gamestop would see it's launch allocations cut, comes word that, unsurprisingly, decreased launch shipments could be across the board. Now, I'm really gonna have to cut a bitch this Friday.

Lazard Capital Markets' Colin Sebastian said in his note to investors:

We expect Sony to deliver 150-200k units to stores in the United States for the launch; consumers without pre-orders may find it difficult to locate an available system. We estimate sales of approximately 750k PS3s domestically by year-end.

While not official confirmation, it does warrant concern for those of us expecting to see twice that figure on day one. You may remember SCEA's Dave Karraker, senior director of corporate communications, stating in September that Sony planned to ship 400,000 units on day one, with 1.2 million shipped to retailers by year's end.

Those ludicrous PS3 bundles are starting to look surprisingly attractive right now. Michael McWhertor

Analyst: 'Battle Royale' To See 150-200k PS3s For Launch? [Gamasutra]

The red phone, which should just be labeled the 360 phone, rang today and we got a tip about a potential shipment of Xbox 360s heading to Best Buys Jan. 3. The tip points to this link, which has store numbers and shipment quantities, as usual. The only thing that makes me hesitant is that the numbers are taken from GameFAQs. My area Best Buys adamantly refuse to tell me anything, but here in the battlefield that is Detroit, that's no surprise.

At this point, if you don't have one and have tried to get one, what's one more trip to Best Buy to check out a potential shipment?

Thanks Ethan

Xbox 360 Shipment Info [Xbox365]