Since its launch last October, PlayStation VR has sold 900,000 units worldwide and has pretty much been sold out ever since. The big issue is that Sony seemed to not believe it would do nearly as well and didn't bother to produce anymore. However, it appears that has changed.
The PlayStation VR, much like its other VR brethren, has failed to set the world on fire. The headset launched last October, and while it has remained perennially sold out ever since, that has more to do with the fact that Sony can't even be bothered to produce enough units of the damn thing. They seem to believe in it so little that only 900,000 had been sold worldwide by earlier this year. However, it seems as though Sony is now belatedly realizing that there is demand for VR gaming after all.
Speaking to MCV, Sony Immersive Technology Group Director Simon Benson noted that the positive reception of the headset is leading Sony to increase their production of it. "[The reception has been] very positive," he said. "We were very optimistic about introducing our gamers to virtual reality, but it's only when you launch it that you know for sure."
"It is still very early days, but we have a better feel for the demand for VR gaming and so we are planning to increase production," Benson added. He continued, noting that the demand had been a "positive sign for the future of VR gaming" going forward.
For now, PlayStation VR headsets are beginning to grow more available. Retailers including Amazon, Best Buy and others are currently consistently holding stock of the headset. Perhaps that can be attributed to the relative lack of new game announcements for PlayStation VR since the headsets launch this past holiday season. But more cynical voices are of the belief that the launch surge of sales was a one-time event and it's unclear whether the public is ready to truly adopt VR for gaming.
Expect more information on the PlayStation VR headset and Sony's plans for VR going forward during E3 and the marketing spree that surrounds the event. While VR skepticism is on the rise, it very much sounds like Sony has nothing but optimism about the medium's future.