Following the somewhat disappointing May NPD results, both Microsoft and Sony have issued some comments on their respective businesses. Microsoft noted that Xbox 360 "continues to outsell the PlayStation 3 at retail for the fifth consecutive year and every single month of 2010." 

The company also seems very encouraged by reaction to its newly redesigned Xbox 360 console.  "...we are hearing great feedback from retailers that the new Xbox 360 250GB is experiencing unprecedented demand." Microsoft went on to claim that sales were up since the new 360 console launched. "Strong demand for the new Xbox 360 250GB combined with a $50 price reduction in the U.S. on the Xbox 360 Arcade and Elite consoles, now US$149.99 and US$249.99 respectively, has resulted in a significant sales spike for Xbox 360 since the new console hit shelves on or around June 14," the company said based on internal data.

As for Sony, the PS3 continues to roll right along. NPD's Anita Frazier noted, "The PS3 platform has enjoyed the greatest percentage growth, with platform sales across hardware, software, and accessories up 32% for the month, and 28% year-to-date." She added, "May was the 10th consecutive month of year-over-year software sales increases for the PS3 platform.  Combined with the hardware and accessories sales increases for the platform, the PS3 has really hit its stride."

Sony itself said that demand remains quite high for PS3. SCEA's Patrick Seybold released the following statement:

"In May, we experienced our tenth consecutive month of year over year growth, and it is clear that the demand for PlayStation 3 and its incredible content is not subsiding as evidenced by an increase of 18% in PS3 hardware sales and revenue increase of 58% in PS3 software sales since last May. While tight inventory had an impact on sales numbers in recent months, we are now beginning to experience greater availability of product and are looking forward to this fall's most anticipated launch, PlayStation Move. When PlayStation Move launches consumers will have access to a compelling line-up of motion-control titles that will appeal to casual and core gamers and, in the months that follow, a new line-up of AAA hardware sellers previewed at E3 will arrive on PS3 including Gran Turismo 5, Killzone 3, Twisted Metal and inFAMOUS 2. As icing on the cake, PS3 is the only console that is currently providing consumers with the technology needed to enjoy their favorite games and movies in 3D. We look forward to continuing the momentum behind the PS3 while sharing unparalleled content and cutting-edge innovative experiences with our consumers over the next year and beyond.”

http://www.industrygamers.com/news/xbox-360-slim-seeing-unprecedented-demand-says-microsoft/

I thought the article was going only going to be mentioning the Xbox 360, but once reading on through it-It seems it was rather PS3 loving. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/videogames/ref=pd_ts_pg_1?ie=UTF8&pg=1

360S have dropped to 14th position on amazon. PS3 Slim do have 15th position right after 360S.

I know that I couldn't find the new Xbox 360 S anyway in my area.  The local GameStop had them in for about 3-5 days before they were completely sold out.  Of course they had that trade-in special that was suppose to last til the 17th of July but ended in my area before June was over.  Also, I haven't seen any at the local Wal-marts, Target, and Best Buy.  So, I guess shortages will be happening for a bit.  I suppose they weren't expecting this great of a response and didn't prepare well for it.

You don't think that has anything to do with shortages?

It looks like the June NPD and July sales are both going to look quite positive for the Xbox 360. I wonder if the 360 is undertracked in the U.S. given these reports?

Undertracked? They've only had the sales data up for 1 week since it's launch and even still it was only available for 3 days out of the week, near tripling the previous weeks numbers.  I think the following weeks will look more impressive, as it doesn't appear to be just a 1 week spike.

It says Amazon is out until July 13th.

I don't know if their rankings are based on orders placed or orders shipped though. Either way, there's no arguing that initial shipments of the 360S are sold out.

Once the rankings start to drop on the Elite and Arcade, we can probably take that to mean that inventory on these discontinued SKUs is thinning out.

I was inquiring Bestbuy and Gamestop (I know of 3 there may be 4) in my area about the number of Xbox 360 slims they have in stock. Out of 3 Gamestops and Bestbuy, the Xbox 360 Slim is selling like the Wiis were a couple of years ago. They get a shipment and it sells out faster than the demand.

Going by Amazon or any other online retailer is a misnomer. Online retail is only about a quarter to a third as big as box store retail. Going by online retail alone will not tell you the whole story.

You have to literally "hit the concrete" to understand the demand for the new Xbox 360 Slim.

I think any online retailer from the U.S. will have skewed results in favour of the PS3 (provided they do international shipping).  With no region locking on blu-ray games and higher exhcange rates elsewhere in the world it is much, much cheaper to buy it online from America.  The 250GB slim in Australia is still $559.