?Microsoft will outship Nintendo in the next generation of consoles due to its head start in launching, its strength in the North American market, and its appeal to older gamers, a demographic that seems to widen with each new generation of consoles,? says Brian O?Rourke, In-Stat analyst.

A recent report by In-Stat found the following:

• The PS3 will also include Blu-Ray DVD playback, a high-definition format that is central to Sony?s corporate strategy.
• Central to Nintendo?s console is a new type of controller that allows the user?s arm movement to affect the movement of game characters.
• Due to higher prices, the peak year for shipments of next-generation consoles is expected to be about the same as the peak year for current-generation consoles. However, overall In-Stat does expect a greater number of next-generation console shipments than for current-generation consoles.

Recent In-Stat research,
Video Game Consoles 2006: Microsoft Launches Next Generation, Sony Dominates Current Generation (#IN0602145ME), covers the global market for line-powered video game consoles only. It does not include portable platforms such as the Nintendo DS or Sony PSP. The research forecasts units and revenue for these products through 2010 by console and by region. It also includes forecasts for online subscribers and resulting revenue, along with analysis of company strategy. Also included are results from a survey of over 1,000 consumers on console ownership and purchase plans for next-generation machines