The new 40GB PS3 and Dual Shock 3 pad both launched in Japan yesterday, but a Japanese newspaper is reporting, demand for both products has been rather subdued so far. No queues were seen forming outside of retailers, and neither has yet sold out. According to one site, unconfirmed retailer reports suggest that around 36,000 PS3s were sold (of which 31,000 were the new 40GB model) on the first day, with around 70,000-100,000 Dual Shock 3 pads.

While these sales figures (assuming they’re true, of course) aren’t exactly shabby, given the hysteria that normally grips Japan following a new hardware launch, they’re a little underwhelming.

Nevertheless, we’re sure the arrival of both the new pad and the console (which does look lovely in its new white case) will help give the PS3 something of a boost. Since both launched last year, the PS3 has been consistently outsold by the Wii, and was even outsold by the 360 last week (albeit due to the arrival of Ace Combat 6).