A new report out from Strategy Analytics now says that the PS3 has surpassed the Xbox 360 worldwide, and has probably been in the top spot since the end of 2010. The data says that the PS3 enjoys 43.4 million active units to Xbox 360’s 42.9 million. The Wii retains the largest base at 75.5 million.
The research firm cites the Xbox 360’s relatively weak performance in Asia and Europe as a “drag on its global performance.” The Kinect has done little in selling consoles worldwide, despite the success achieved at launch.
"While the Kinect peripheral has given a boost to Microsoft’s Xbox 360 strategy, the console’s performance outside of the U.S. continues to disappoint,” said analyst Jia Wu, responsible for the report at Strategy Analytics
"Global demand for Sony’s PS3 has exceeded that of the Xbox 360 in each of the past two years, and we expect that to continue over the coming years," Wu states.
He adds that Microsoft should "continue to innovate around its motion sensor technology, which will become increasingly relevant in the smart home era."
All in all, sales for 2011 look good for the PS3. Sales are expected to reach 15.7 million units for the year. Xbox 360 is forecasted to bring in around 13.7 million for 2011 by contrast.
[Thanks Gamasutra]
5 Comments
March 31, 2011
This is interesting to me. PS3 vs Xbox 360 completely different. Xbox strong in US weaker in Asia and Europe and PS3 the opposite -- weaker in US and strong in other parts of the world. Battle for #2 is on.
March 31, 2011
I thought there had been about 50 million Xbox 360s sold? Does this imply that several million people have bought another system, presumably after one has failed?
Regardless of positioning, both have large enough install bases to do well, even in spite of the other - it's all about engagement.
March 31, 2011
I also remember a report stating that Microsoft had sold 50 million 360's worldwide and that Sony had sold atleast 44 million. I wonder why these numbers seem lower.
March 31, 2011
THE 1 2 P, yeah this was it: http://www.industrygamers.com/news/xbox-360-hits-50-million-as-kinect-sells-8-million/
At the time we didn't note the Kinect numbers as shipped (not sold). When Kinect hit 10mil we made that distinction. I think the same goes for that 50mil 360 number. Also I think this Strategy Analytics report is talking about 2010 year-end figures.
April 1, 2011
This alleged is quite an odd one - it flies against all the previous numbers that have been reported by independent and well respected bodies http://www.vgchartz.com/ and also those that have been reported by Microsoft and Sony - quite suspect