After an extraordinary E3, today Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced retail growth for PLAYSTATION®3 in July.

Based on preliminary internal data, PS3 sales have increased by more than 135% at the company’s top five retailers since the new $499 price was announced two weeks ago on July 9th.

During this same two-week period, total PlayStation hardware sales have increased by 161%, software by 15% and peripherals by 60%.

Also, NPD sales data released today for the month of June, PlayStation sales increased obviously prior to E3.

The PlayStation brand continued to exhibit solid growth clear by a 21% increase in total retail dollars generated year-over-year in North America with total sales of $393 million. PS3 sales were up 21% over May’s figures, in addition to 98,469 units sold at retail.

"The new price on the 60 GB PS3, coupled with our very strong software showing from E3, is certainly paying dividends in terms of impressive sales across the board at retail," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA.

"This jump in sales bodes very well for us heading into the fall as we launch an impressive arsenal of hardware and software, leading off with the new 80 GB PS3 in August along with the unveiling of highly anticipated games such as Lair and Warhawk. That will be followed by Heavenly Sword in September and six more exclusive first-party PS3 games in October, including Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction."

Looks like things aren't only going unbelievably well in the Land of the Rising Sun, but everywhere in general as well. Good work Sony, we're all proud of what you're doing for the gaming industry, and we appreciate it.