Sony PS3 Sales Get Strong Holiday Finish

The November 23 to December 31 sales were two-thirds as much as the company had sold during the rest of 2007, according to company figures released Sunday. The company also said it sold 1.4 million Play Station 2 consoles and 1.3 million of Play Station Portable machines in the same period.

"The PlayStation brand ended the year in a very strong position and clearly indicates more positive momentum going into 2008," Jack Tretton, president and chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment America said in a statement.

Sony is still far behind Nintendo in the battle for next-generation consoles. Nintendo sold 5 million Wii units through the first 11 months of the year, according to NPD, versus 1.76 million for PS3. Nintendo has yet to release its full year figures.

Late last week, Sony and Nintendo's rival Microsoft revealed that it had sold 4.3 million during the last three months of the year.

PS3 sales have lagged behind Nintendo, despite Sony's effort pack the unit with high-tech features which appeal to demanding gamers. The Nintendo Wii, which has less high-tech bells and whistles, has been lauded by critics and consumers for its ease of use.

Its motion-sensing wireless Wii Controller allows users to move action on the TV screen by using arm and body movements.

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