In some respects global LTD shipments isn't so important. Sony got it's arse kicked in the most important (i.e. highest SW attach rate) market, being USA. Depending on what figures you use PS3 is running between 7 and 10% behind 360 in HW sales, but about 35-40% behind in SW sales.
Certainly PS3's future is secured now, which was by no means guaranteed as little as 1 year ago. But PS4 has got it's work cut out for it to reclaim more of the American market (I doubt it will substantially increase market share, the PS brand's decline in America is multi-generational I think, possibly even permanent). It's also going to do well elsewhere in the world, and by the time the next generation roles around China and India will be important consumer electronics markets. I predict America's importance will diminish somewhat within the next decade, though it will always be a highly important and valuable market. The future is Asia.
Having said that the day Sony reports that it's shipped more PS3s than MS has shipped 360's will be a significant day. Not least because it's a day many (most?) thought would never come, or at least they thought it would never come while 360 was still on the market.
I predict PS3 LTD shipments won't exceed 360- until after PS3's next price cut. And on that point I will note the following from the Sony quarterly report: "and production costs for PS3 are dropping alot [sic]". Expect a $75-$100 price cut in 2011.
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