Immediately after the price drop Sony's major retail partners saw PS2 sales increase by 216 percent week over week. Sales for the three full weeks since the price drop were up 141 percent on the three weeks prior to the announcement, and up 26 percent compared to the same three-week period in 2003.

"Response to the $149 price point has been amazing," said Debbie Mola, divisional vice president of merchandising for Electronics Boutique. "We've seen a steady increase in consumer demand throughout our stores nationwide, with sales of PlayStation 2 rising to well above our expectations."

"This price drop came when we felt it was strategically the best timing to expand the market, and it's gratifying to see consumers respond so aggressively to our commitment to meet their growing expectations," added Jack Tretton, executive VP, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The new sales data provides proof that (our customers) are placing their confidence in the longevity of PlayStation 2."