For a long while, it was unthinkable, but with Wii's lukewarm popularity in Nintendo's home country of Japan in recent weeks—even as it continued to sell out in North America—magazine publisher Enterbrain has noted Sony's PlayStation 3 pulling ahead for the first time since its launch.
According to the publisher, in the four week period ending November 25, PS3 sold 183,217 units versus Wii's 159,193. The news comes on the heels of Super Mario Galaxy's lackluster performance in Nintendo's home country, where it tracked below previous series entry Super Mario Sunshine, which was released for the then-waning GameCube.
Analyst Hiroshi Kamide told Reuters he isn't sure the news is an indication of a sea change in the market. "Overseas, I don't really see the PS3 doing that much at Christmas time primarily because it's still more expensive than the other machines and has less software.
"It's nice to see the system selling much better than six months ago. But is it a sustainable trend? Is it going to really escalate from here? I'm not so sure."
Japan-watchers are pinning Wii's hopes on the release of Nintendo E3 focal point Wii Fit, an exercise and fitness title that comes with a special balance/weight sensing peripheral and launches tomorrow.
Sony PS3 tops Nintendo Wii in Japan for first time (Reuters)
According to the publisher, in the four week period ending November 25, PS3 sold 183,217 units versus Wii's 159,193. The news comes on the heels of Super Mario Galaxy's lackluster performance in Nintendo's home country, where it tracked below previous series entry Super Mario Sunshine, which was released for the then-waning GameCube.
Analyst Hiroshi Kamide told Reuters he isn't sure the news is an indication of a sea change in the market. "Overseas, I don't really see the PS3 doing that much at Christmas time primarily because it's still more expensive than the other machines and has less software.
"It's nice to see the system selling much better than six months ago. But is it a sustainable trend? Is it going to really escalate from here? I'm not so sure."
Japan-watchers are pinning Wii's hopes on the release of Nintendo E3 focal point Wii Fit, an exercise and fitness title that comes with a special balance/weight sensing peripheral and launches tomorrow.
Sony PS3 tops Nintendo Wii in Japan for first time (Reuters)