In this quick-but-useful breakdown of the latest console numbers, PS3 sales are predictably way up after the much-publicized mid-Fall price cut — especially in Japan, where in November it outsold the Wii (wtf?).

Still, the Wii and 360 absolutely own the U.S. market, and as well they probably should at this point in time. Even as a new, against-my-better-judgment PS3 owner (more on that later), I’ll readily admit Sony’s console has the sweet, sweet Blu-Ray, but is lagging in quality gameage.

The thing is, amazingly enough, everything seems to be selling kind of well at this point.

Sony’s PS3 sold 466,000 units, nearly four times the level it sold in October, according to NPD, while Microsoft’s Xbox 360 sold 770,000 units.

The PS3’s market share of next-generation consoles increased to 21 per cent in November from 12 per cent in October. The Wii’s market share fell to 44 per cent in November from 52 per cent. Micorsoft’s Xbox 360 edged lower, falling from 37 per cent to 35 per cent.

The November boost in sales for Sony in both the US and Japanese markets could give it the momentum its desperately needs in the run-up to Christmas. The Japanese consumer electronics group’s games division has reported losses for seven straight quarters, due to large investment costs for the PS3 and, until now, lacklustre sales.

Most analysts think that Nintendo’s Wii will be the clear winner this Christmas. Sony, however, has increased its marketing efforts for the PS3, highlighting the fact that it is also one of the cheapest Blu-ray next-generation DVD players on the market.

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