While the PS3 finally has decent momentum in the marketplace now, its launch was a disaster. Part of the problem stemmed from Blu-ray's high cost and shortages of the blue laser diode at the time. Ironically, now Blu-ray is one of the key selling points for Sony's console, and the HD format is gaining steam. According to Blu-ray.com [thanks MCV], sales of Blu-ray discs are up 68.5% in the U.S. during the first quarter.
From January to March, sales of Blu-ray came to $331.31, and Blu-ray accounted for 12.3% of packaged-media sales revenue, which is up from 7.0% during the same period a year earlier. During March alone, Blu-ray sales revenues came to $130.36 million, which is a notable 86% boost year-on-year.
Perhaps it's just a coincidence, but March also marked the release of 'AAA' titles like God of War III and Final Fantasy XIII, and we think it's likely that a number of new PS3 owners entered the market and also picked up some new Blu-ray movies with their games.
