http://www.g4tv.com/videos/53259/microsoft-e3-2011-press-conference-video/

Right at 85:00

"We will go from the number one selling console in NA, to the number one selling console globally." 

Exact words. I don't know how people said MS stated #1 sold to consumers. "Number one selling console globally" is corporate speak, aka shipped. 

This isnt about whether shipped is more relevant and official then actual sold through, but its rather saying that those who said MS "changed its goal" or "moved the goal posts" is just plain wrong. Any interviews or quotes after E3 are simply misspeaking on MS's part. 

Must have missed the statement altogether. I kind of zoned out during the snore fest that was E3 last year.

i want to say ign or someone asked for clarification on the shipped/sold debate after that and we're told sold to consumers. i didn't actually see it personally and I also dont' really care. xbox had a great year last year and no one can take that away from them.

Is anybody losing sleep over this potential "lie"? We sure have been having a shitload of discussion around it.

I think your second sentence answers your first sentence lol.

Well im not sure how PS3 propaganda managed to change MS words, but the direct quote from E3 referred to shipped. 

To 2099:

Just stop this kind of topics because both 360 supporters and PS3 lovers alreay felt tired of it. In fact, you can open several treads instead to claim the success of XBOX360 in 2011, such as:

1. Who won the title of sold through in 2011? Answer: 75% PS3 vs. 25% XBOX360. We need to have more specified information to conclude it;
2. Who won the title of the most shipped consoles in 2011? Answer: XBOX360 in 2011;
3. Which console is the first console shipped the most when Wii domination era was finished? Answer: XBOX360 in 2011;
5. Which console manufactuer had the best year in 2011? Answer: Microsoft;
6. Which console manufactuer had the most profits in 2011? Answer: Microsoft.

So based on above, do you still care who won the title of "sold through" when MS and XBOX360 almost won in every category?

but ms is not number 1 wii is still number 1

They meant for the year, clearly ...

already know it was number 1 selling console last year

what about the 3ds, it beat the 360