Report: Wii Threatened By Xbox 360 and PS3

11 Mar, 2011 By: Billy Gil

Xbox 360

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3 are closing the gap with Nintendo’s Wii in the video game console race, according to a report from Strategy Analytics’ Connected Home Devices.

The report calculated 43.7 million consoles were sold worldwide in 2010, down 3% from 2009, with Nintendo’s Wii remaining in first place for unit sales (17.2 million). But its unit sales fell by 24%, and the Xbox 360 and PS3 each grew at double-digit rates, boosted by new controller systems for both consoles — Microsoft’s Kinect and Sony’s Move.

“Nintendo must act quickly if it wants to avoid becoming an also-ran in the TV console market,” said David Mercer, principal analyst at Strategy Analytics. “The Wii’s time has passed, and while the 3DS will help to boost its position in the handheld market, the company cannot afford to let the TV market slip away.”

About the Author: Billy Gil