PS3 to outsell Wii by 2013

Sony’s PS3 is not only on the up – it stands to become the largest global console and outsell the Wii in just three years time. That’s the prediction from StrategyAnalytics’ analyst David Mercer.

He also added that Wii’s installed user base will have hit 76m by the end of this year.

Writing on his blog ahead of the publication of its Global Video Game Market Forecast next week, Mercer stated: The signs are that the Wii has peaked in terms of console sales, and its installed base will begin to decline after 2011.

Meanwhile, Sony’s PS3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 will continue to grow, so that the PS3 will become the largest platform globally by 2013. In terms of cumulative lifetime sales we expect the PS3 to hit 127m units, compared to 103m Wiis.

Uncertainties clearly surround each of the major platforms, particularly relating to the new services and upgrades planned by Sony and Microsoft. Natal on the Xbox could be more beneficial to 360 sales than expected, and Sony’s own motion controller, together with its plans to upgrade all PS3s to 3D capability, also represent potential for upside to our core forecasts.”

Mercer also foresees a six per cent global market decline for video games in 2010, though sales of both PS3 and Xbox 360 are expected to increase.