During Sony’s GDC press conference, the maker of the PlayStation 3 revealed some new stats that show the system making great strides in the last year to help Sony’s profitability and close the gap between their immediate rival console from Microsoft. Pierre Gravereau, SCEA digital distribution manager revealed that the PlayStation 3 has crossed over 41.6 million units sold worldwide with 80% of them being web connected, thanks to their free PSN (PlayStation Network) service, opposed to Microsofts Xbox 360 which requires $70/year to go online. Sony has also been able to pull in 70 million PSN subscribers, which helped the store see an increase of 60% store traffic and 70% boost to their profits.

For those who wonder why we report these numbers, it’s because that they effect us, the users too and not just boost Sony’s bottom line. The more success Sony can have from their different divisions like the PlayStation and Bravia, the more services and features in return Sony can take their money and invest in. With greater R&D money, Sony can in return offer greater features and services to the users like a continued free PSN and rich future products like the NGP.

[Via Joystiq]