It’s no secret that in the console wars if you don’t win a round every once in a while you’re not going to make it, just ask Sega.   Microsoft is currently in a weird position in the console wars, they have placed 2nd twice in a row and don’t hold a strong position currently as PS3 sales seem to be picking up.   The original Xbox barely beat out the GameCube, which itself was a dud, by only 3 million and far far behind the PS2. But having been the new kid on the block, beating Nintendo and coming in second was a victory for Microsoft.

PS2: 112 Million / 71% Market Share

Xbox: 24 Million / 15% Market Share

GameCube: 21 Million / 14% Market Share

All charts and figures are provided by vgchartz.com.

In round two for Microsoft, they were expected to show some progress and you can say they have, increasing their market share from 15% to almost double at 30%

While doing much better the second time around, Sony seems to be closing the gap against the Xbox360. Considering Microsoft had a year head start, if they lose to the PS3 and come in last this round it could mean big trouble for Microsoft.

Before Nintendo made a smash with the Wii, there were rumors flying around that if Nintendo’s next console didn’t succeed it could be the end of Nintendo as a console maker.  The same can now be said about Microsoft, it they do some how end up in last, their next console might be a make or break for them.

However on the flip side to that, if they are able to hold out and finish in 2nd, with the help of Xbox Live, I could see the next Xbox console dominating the next-gen wars.  Nintendo might be dominating the casual game market, but they are years behind Microsoft with online gaming.  They also seem to be picking up support from hardcore gamers.  If I was a console gamer, I would chose Xbox360 over PS3, not only because it’s cheaper but because of Xbox Live.  But alas I’m a PC gamer, although I did own a Wii, but gave it away since I hated it.

Update: In response to those people saying the gap between Xbox360 and PS3 is growing, yes that’s correct.  But what I was refering to in the article is that if you line up the Xbox360 and PS3 from when they were launched, PS3 is selling faster than Xbox360 was for the same time period as the chart below shows.