Microsoft preempts NPD data: 360 lost in February

Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg, group product manager for Xbox 360, has backed up Michael Pachter's prediction that Xbox 360 was beaten by PS3 in US sales during February because of lack of supply. His comments came before the release of NPD sales data tonight.

"We definitely expect we will trail in February as a result of our supply constraints," Greenberg said, adding: "By April, we will be in a very healthy inventory situation."

Wedbush Morgan analyst Pachter predicted on Monday this week that PS3 outsold 360 in the US last month, but that supply issues would be resolved from March onwards.

"We estimate sell-through [in February] of 300,000 Wii, 250,000 Xbox 360 and 260,000 PS3 consoles," he said. "For purposes of comparison, The simExchange prediction market forecasts 450,000 Wii, 285,000 Xbox 360 and 270,000 PS3 consoles sold in February. Our console sell-through forecasts reflect our belief that Wii, DS and Xbox 360 hardware continued to be supply constrained during the month. With the launch of several high-profile games in March, we expect supplies for the consoles to increase.”