TOKYO -- Sony Computer Entertainment led sales of video game systems for the first time in eight years in fiscal 2013, beating flagging compatriot Nintendo thanks to the successful launch of the PlayStation 4.

     SCE sold a total of 18.7 million systems last fiscal year. It released the PS4 in the U.S. and other markets in November, and had moved nearly 7 million units through the end of March. Overall unit sales, including the PlayStation Vita portable game system, declined 20% on the year, but the PS4's launch helped to prop them up.

     Nintendo's console sales slid 31% to 16.31 million units, as sales of the portable Nintendo 3DS system slumped and the new Wii U fared poorly. Microsoft's sales rose 16% to 11.6 million consoles thanks to the November rollout of the Xbox One in the U.S. and other markets.

     The last time SCE topped the console sales list was in fiscal 2005. Sales of the PS4's predecessor, the PlayStation 3, came in below expectations, and the company faced an uphill battle against Nintendo's Wii and DS. The PS4's popularity finally brought Sony back to the fore.

     But the video game console market continues to lose ground to smartphone games. It has become essential for companies to offer new services such as cloud-based games to attract players.

     SCE will likely stay at No. 1 this fiscal year. Sales of the PS4 will take off in earnest, while Nintendo has few noteworthy releases planned.

http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Consumers/Sony-tops-game-console-sales-for-1st-time-in-8-years

Don't know if this has been discussed yet around here. Saw it in the newspaper today. Ooh and it would be very cool if someone could figure out how these numbers look in relation to the ones we are using.

God this E3 stuff is making the website go wild. Or should i use a more controversial headline?

Maybe just add the word Doom to the headline? always seems to get peoples attention! if it's too positive nether faction will bother to defend it or then attack the defenders.

Ps4 is doing a lot better then ps3 so how video game console market continues to lose ground to smartphone games.

You know what? I'm experimenting with something. Let's see what that will do. The topic has enough views, so it wasn't about the news itself

Eight years, huh? I guess the 3DS kept Nintendo at the top even while the Wii was dying a slow death.

here ik its from ps nation but im using it for this joyous occasion

Good for them. predicted that someone would win.

I think I'm going to start predicting like you, then. I would never loose.