A new report has linked Sony"s PS3 console as the winner of the next gen war, with months to go until the console is even released. Is it time for Microsoft to pack up its bags now? No, because according to the analyst Sony will lead with 44% of the market, while Microsoft will be close behind with 40%.
Microsoft will apparently have sold 27 million Xbox 360 consoles, compared to Sony with three million more, 30 million. It isn"t looking good for Nintendo though, with the Wii only expected to ship 11 million units by 2011. The report, commissioned by The Yankee Group also states that digital distribution will show rapid growth, not surprising with both Sony and Nintendo joining the market this year with consoles expected to be connected to the web.
So, if Sony is going to win in the US, how does this fare around the rest of the world? Well, with Microsoft"s 360 bombing in Japan it doesn"t look like Asia will be a good ground for Microsoft, but the Wii will definitely appeal to Japanese gamers who like a fresh approach to gaming. In Europe gamers tend to take the best from the US and Japan, which would suggest the PS3, with its Japanese routes, and its American horsepower.
The truth of the matter is, that all this prediction stuff is as certain as the British weather, so come back in 2011 when we can give you the full report.