A simple answer would be that Sony did everything different of the PS3 launch.
- Right specs
- Great Price point
- Right launch timing
- Updated Controller
- Online Play that works in comparison to 2006/2007
- Consumer confidence thanks to the way they supported PS3 even after PS4 was announced (TLoU, Beyond, GoW Ascencion, GT6)
- Great Marketing campaign
- Knowing how to take advantage of the Xbone DRM thing.