Next-gen console sales healthy at HMV

All three next-generation home consoles are performing well at retailer HMV, with the PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 contributing to healthy sales at the start of the traditionally quiet summer months.

The PS3 is said to be exceeding sales targets, although the retailer expects a performance boost when Sony opts to lower the price.

"Sales remain in line with expectations, occasionally even exceeding them," commented Tim Ellis, head of games for the entertainment specialist.

"We're looking forward to further games releases, and when the time's right, a suitable price revision to take the console to its next level of sales."

Nintendo's Wii is still one of the hottest items in stores, and HMV has praised the format holder for good management during the well-publicised supply shortages.

"Supply is stabilising and Nintendo is doing a very good job of keeping us updated on key developments," said Ellis.

And the Xbox 360 isn't stuttering despite having been on the market for 18 months now - with Ellis confident in Microsoft's pricing policies.

"The console continues to hold its own and I'm sure Microsoft will know when to consider stimulating sales further via pricing," he offered.

"From a retail and customer perspective it's great to have three games heavyweights relatively matched and vying for market domination. This creative tension is leading to fantastic innovative technology and brilliant games."