They launched a year before the competition and at first ignored RRoD caused by their rush, but then started to do something about it. Their fiscal numbers, however, don't include the billion $ plus RRoD repair writedowns. Sales-wise, though...yeah, people were ready for a new gen and they were first.
PS3 has sold faster than 360 over the same period, though, even with a higher price and the 360 already out and somewhat (established).