Sales of the are up some 1,000 percent in the UK, according to the latest Chart-Track reports, and while the arrival of the PS3 Slim alongside a new price point is clearly responsible for this spike are nonetheless surprised by this rapid success.

Speaking to blog VG247, local exec Mark Howsen says the rise in beats Sony's own forecasts.

"The first week's Chart-Track numbers for sales of the new PlayStation 3 were ahead of our expectations, so we were extremely pleased," Howsen beamed.

The boss adds that the price cut has certainly helped boost sales, while Sony's new 'The game is just the start' campaign is also beginning to have an effect.

By Luke Guttridge