Platform expected to outlast the Wii by five years

Sony's PlayStation 3 is expected to sell more units than any of its competitors over the lifetime of the current product generation, according to a report issued by Strategy Analytics. Rather than comparing sales numbers immediately following the launch of new devices, the analysts have placed predictions regarding overall shipments across the lifetime of the product.

Within the current installed base across the globe, Nintendo's Wii is said to hold the lead. PS3 and Xbox 360 sales are expected to continue to strengthen, with Sony's console forecasted to become the largest platform by 2013. The recent report outlines PS3 sales to eventually hit 127 million units, with Wii sales reaching 103 million devices.

Strategy Analytics acknowledges the inherent uncertainty when attempting to predict sales rates for the years ahead. Project Natal could help Microsoft drive Xbox sales ahead of expectations, while Sony's motion-based controller and plans for 3D upgrades may help push the PS3 beyond forecasted numbers.

Both the PS3 and Wii showed record sales numbers through the holiday shopping season in December, with respective sales of 3.8 million and 1.31 million units. Despite the late boost, overall sales for all systems was down six percent from the year prior. The downward trend is expected to continue through 2010, with SA predicting a nine percent decline.

By Electronista Staff