Worldwide PS3 Shipments Catching Up To Total Xbox 360 Shipments

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We know that the console flame wars are better left in 2007, but we’re going to rekindle them for just one moment to bring you this bit of news: apparently, worldwide PS3 shipments are closing in on the total number of Xbox 360s Microsoft has shipped since 2006.

If Sony and the PS3 manage to pass Microsoft and the Xbox 360, this will be the first time since this generation began that the PS3 will actually take second place away from the Xbox 360. Yes, it’s sad but true, the PlayStation 3 has been in third place for five long years, lagging quite some distance behind the Wii and never managing to overtake the Xbox 360.

Earlier today, Sony reported a total of 3.7 million PS3s shipped in quarter 2 of its fiscal year, bringing the grand total since the PS3′s release to 55.5 million. At last check, Microsoft has shipped a total of 57.6 million Xbox 360s, meaning that with just over two million consoles left to go, Sony’s within spitting distance. Of course, both of them are still quite a ways away from overtaking the Wii, which currently sits at 89.36 units shipped.

It’s actually kind of surprising to see the PS3 closing in on the Xbox 360 – after last spring’s debacle with the PlayStation Network going down, I would have assumed that sales would have dropped off in the months following. Apparently, the PS3 is stronger than ever, so it’s nice to see that Sony didn’t suffer too much as a result of their infamous hack attack.

What do you think of these numbers? Will the PS3 soon overtake the Xbox 360 in terms of total units shipped, or do you think the Xbox 360 will manage to stay in second in the months to come? Are you surprised to see strong PS3 sales despite the Sony’s hacker woes? Head down to the comments section and give us your take!