This figure is interesting not just because the Wii sold more than the Xbox 360 in Australia, but because the Xbox 360’s sales are for the entire fourth quarter of 2006, while the Wii outsold the Xbox 360 in the period of December 8 to December 31. From that point of view, the Wii’s sales are even more impressive.

Of course, in Europe and Australia, sales of the PS3 were precisely zero, at least officially. Obviously imported PS3s have made it all the way around the world, but in this regard, the PS3 is clearly behind because it simply has not launched in those markets.

That said, the PS2 sold 122,639 units in the fourth quarter of 2006, outselling all the other ‘under-the-TV’ consoles despite the technology being years old. Sony were also quick to point out that sales of software for games consoles is very important, too – after all, that’s where the cream really comes from, not console sales.

In Australia, Sony sold 1.9 million games in the fourth quarter, accounting for 56% of games software sold across all platforms. So, despite battery recalls and PS3 delays, Sony doesn’t look to be going broke anytime soon.

What is very interesting is a report from Playfuls.com quoting Valve’s Gabe Newell where they quote Game Informer’s interview with Newell.

Newell said that "The PS3 is a total disaster on so many levels, I think It's really clear that Sony lost track of what customers and what developers wanted. I'd say, even at this late date, they should just cancel it and do a 'do over'. Just say, 'This was a horrible disaster and we're sorry and we're going to stop selling this and stop trying to convince people to develop for it’.”

Read onto page 2 for the conclusion, and to see what Newell said about the Wii!