The latest sales figures from Japan reveal that Wii outsold PS3 by three units to one through August. While Nintendo's machine shifted 245,653 units, Sony's managed a less impressive 81,541. (More here.)
Online news sources are spinning this two ways - either as a sign of the continued dominance enjoyed by Wii, or an indicator that the balance is shifting. Back in June, the Wii-to-PS3 ratio was six to one, in July it was four to one.
Is the tide turning in Sony's favour? If it is, the timing's puzzling. Warhawk is drawing decent reviews, Ninja Gaiden Sigma is good, but Lair has divided opinion, as has Heavenly Sword. Take a look at the PS3 game chart and it's still dominated by launch titles - at least in the UK. In Japan, the most wanted titles - the likes of Gran Turismo 5, Metal Gear Solid 4, Final Fantasy XIII and Resident Evil 5 - are all a long way off. Meanwhile, Wii isn't exactly spoiled for new releases, but the likes of Resi Evil 4, Dragon Quest Swords and Mario Party 8 have been keeping things ticking over I suppose.
Price doesn't seem to be a factor - there's been no PS3 cut since pre-launch, when 20 percent was slashed off the planned retail figure. The closest Sony has come is a cheap(ish) bundle pack with Hot Shots Golf 5 (info here). Hardly irresistible.
So, it's not games, it's not price - maybe it's the excitement surrounding some decent demos at E3 and Leipzig. Or maybe that last firmware update did it - maybe people are really excited by Remote Play...
Charles Arthur adds: our thanks to all those who have pointed out that, indeed, the PS3 cannot be "closing the gap" on the Wii if the latter continues to outsell it. Any week that the Wii sells more units than the PS3, the sales gap grows. It's a nice bit of spin by Sony (which we'll be examining in print) but the fact is, folks, the Wii is still motoring ahead.
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