Since sales have risen significantly in volume (as expected), the PS3 lead over the 360 in Europe has increased significantly. Unless there is a matching PS3 drop in Japan (possible, but unlikely - not in volume terms anyway) - its going to be harder for MS to match Sony this week.

Its definitely looking like a real close battle for the overall lead for the year - a lot closer than I expected.

I still think this is a battle MS cannot afford to lose - and may well come down to how well they promote at retail, hardware supply chain, etc.

MS are going to have to have a HUGE Xmas in the US to have a chance. 

Well it`s only the beginning of PS3 domination. =)
Only 1st year.

And with having in mind, that PS2 in 1st year haven`t so much great games and cost less, PS3 awaits GREAT future.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_PlayStation_2_games#2000
Nothing to match Resistance, Motorstorm, VF5, NGS, Lair(!), Ratchet, Folklore, Uncharted with multiplatform like Cod4, AC, UT3 and etc.

I figure its going to take 1.5-2 years for the PS3 to overtake the 360 lead. The Wii will continue to outsell it - for a couple of years at least.

What happens in 2-3 years time is anyones guess, as I'm *certain* there will be some form of new hardware introduced by then (possibly from another company, possibly a DS II, etc...).

@Crazzyman: Your example works against your argument BTW - the PS2 has much more upside from its 1st year, than the PS3 does (at the moment anyway). Sony are losing 3rd-party support (rather than gaining it), and losing ground to their main competitor (Wii), rather than increasing it (PS2 vrs consoles not yet released).

Only ONE game MH3 moved to Wii. And 3rd party games on wii almost not selling.

PS3 has GREAT 3rd party support.

Rockstar creating L.A Noire for PS3.
Rockstar creating New IP for PS3.
Cellius creating games for PS3.
Sega creating Jakuza3 for PS3.
Konami creating Coded Arms for PS3.
Nippon Ichi creating Disgaea3 for PS3.
Free Radical Design creating Haze for PS3.
Namco making Time Crisis4 for PS3.
Sega creating Valkyrie of the Battlefield for PS3.
Digi-Guys creating WarDevil for PS3.
Quantic Dream creating Heavy Rain for PS3.
Konami creating MGS4 for PS3.
Square creating FFXIII for PS3.
Uncomfimred:
Atlus creating Persona4 for PS3.
Tri ace making Star Ocean4 for PS3.

AND some multiplatform:
Eternal Sonata coming to PS3.
Ace combat6 coming to PS3.
Lost Planet coming to PS3.

Nothing can stop PS3.

 From catching the Wii in Hardware sold? No, I doublt that, highly. In matter of third party software sold however.... If the PS3 continues to be strong in Europe I think it would be the same there as it is for the 360 in the US: The PS3 Software outperforms the Wii software. Thats only because Hardcore will most likley preffere the PS3, the Wii has a way more casual audience. 

Another survey:

HDTV, PS3 top list of most wanted holiday gifts

"While a high-definition television led all gadgets with 15.2 percent, Sony's PlayStation 3 had a strong second place showing with 13.7 percent of all respondents."

http://www.betanews.com/article/HDTV_PS3_top_list_of_most_wanted_holiday_gifts/1196876849

What's interesting with regard to that latest survey is that the Nintnedo Wii scored 10.8 percent, 2.9 % lower than the PS3. Better for the PS3 than I would have expected for this period of time.

In any case taking into account all those surveys from so many different sources the PS3 should do very well this christmas period. I think the release of UT3 will also have a significant effect on the US console market and probably Gran Turismo 5 prologue will have some positive effect on Japan as well.

 Then they will compare UT3 for 360 and PS3 and find that 360 has better textures, while the PS3 has it's gamma turned up and is blurry.

@ Omac