IDC: PS3 Shipments Overtake Xbox 360 Worldwide

In the first time in this console cycle, Sony's shipment of PS3 units have surpassed that of Microsoft's Xbox 360. 

This data was revealed by the International Data Corporation (IDC), that even with a year's head start, Microsoft's Xbox 360 is now trailing the PS3 by 76 million to 77 million units shipped respectively. Note that this is shipped and not actual sales figures, and the data is accurate as of December 2012.

In related data from the report, the IDC also predicts that Nintendo "will find an audience" with the Wii U and it will reach global bundle shipments of 50 million by year-end of 2016.

So, there you have it folks. It seems Sony's PS3 is now the second console this generation behind the Wii U. Of course, with their next-gen counterparts looming in the wings, these numbers might be moot soon for fanboy discussions. The more important question now is, which one will release their next-gen console first? Sony or Microsoft? And if the Xbox 720 comes out first, can Sony repeat history even if took them nearly the console's entire lifespan to do so?

Source: GamesIndustry