Can the PS4 match the sales of the PS2? Sony weighs in

Executive Hiroshi Kawano says "I think we shouldn't say it's impossible" for new console to sell 150 million units or more.

The PlayStation 2 is the best-selling home console of all time, with more than 150 million units sold since its initial introduction in 2000. The PlayStation 3 failed to reach that mark (as did the Xbox 360 and Wii), and while that number may seem too high to reach for any new console, Sony has now said it's not impossible for the PlayStation 4 to meet or exceed that lofty figure.

Speaking with Inside Games (translated by DualShockers), Sony Computer Entertainment Japan and Asia president Hiroshi Kawano acknowledged the challenges that Sony faces but said Sony will at least be able to "expand the popularity" of the PS4 by focusing on games and network services.

"As we all know, unfortunately the sales of the PS3 didn’t even get near the sales of the PS2. It may be difficult for a home console now, but I think we shouldn’t say it’s impossible unconditionally," Kawano said. "However, I believe it’s possible to expand the popularity of the PS4 by providing a rich gaming experience and making use of the fusion of network service and high performance that is possible only on home consoles."

Part of the "rich gaming experience" Kawano is speaking of is likely PlayStation Now, Sony's new cloud-powered service, which will allow gamers to stream back-catalog titles for a subscription fee.

Kawano explained that Sony will continue to ramp up its marketing efforts for the PS4, to inform consumers about the console's unique features like Remote Play, which allows PS4 games to be streamed to the PlayStation Vita.

"When we talk on whether it’ll match the sales of the PS2 numerically, we’ll have to do our best in the future," Kawano said.

As of February 8, Sony had sold 5.3 million PS4 consoles worldwide. The system launched in Sony's home region of Japan on Saturday.