Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) chief executive Kaz Hirai is confident that the PlayStation 3 will reach 11 million by the end of this fiscal year, reports the AFP. The PS3 "is starting afresh as a console to play games with. Although pricing strategy is important, now we would like to put our strength in the number of software games," he said in an interview.

Just recently, Hirai expressed his confidence in the 20GB and 60GB models of the PS3 which are still in stock, saying production of the two may resume if consumers ask for backwards compatibility. Sony also launched the biggest ad campaign ever to promote a hardware platform and focused on the console's explosive titles, so it's easy to imagine the PS3's sales rising.

Hirai also said he wants Sony's game division to "escape as soon as possible from the red and return to the black in fiscal year 2008." It's no secret that more PS3 units have been flying off shelves since the launch of 40GB SKUs, and analysts believe Sony is past the worst. Looks like time will tell if the SCE chief executive's forecast is on the money.