http://ps3.ign.com/articles/746/746196p1.html

Yoshiyuki Kinoshita, a research analyst for Merrill Lynch's Japan branch, believes the Xbox 360 will rule the console roost for the next five years. A report in the International Business Times holds some surprising predictions for the future of the three next-gen consoles.

"The winner in the next-generation console battle is likely to be the Xbox 360, which is the leader in North America, the world's biggest market," said Kinoshita.

Merrill Lynch forecasts that in 2011, the 360 will hold a 39% share of the international market, with PS3 at 34% and the Wii trailing with a respectable 27%. This would make for a stark turn as the PS2 has enjoyed a 69% share of the worldwide market.

Microsoft's weak spot remains Japan. According to the report, Sony will continue to own the land of the rising sun with a 57% market share, while Wii follows with a 39% share. No share numbers for the Xbox 360 were offered, which seems about right for Microsoft's future in Japan.

As for North America, which has grown to become the most significant territory for console and software sales, Merrill Lynch predicts Microsoft will have a profound lead by 2011. The firm reports Microsoft will have hold of 50% of the North America market while Sony is expected to have just a 27% share. Nintendo follows closely behind with a 23% hold in North America.

No numbers were provided for Europe, but it is believed the fight between Sony and Microsoft will be fierce. With the delay of the PS3 until at least March in Europe, the door is open for Microsoft to lay claim as the next-gen leader.

i never belive analysts to me they chate shite, but i do think 360 will be most dominate

Agreed, though every gameconsole needs at least a chance to show it rocks. But I think 360 has a big jump ahead and people are already convinced it's a good entertainment console (by having played on it). I suggest to check 'm all out because each console has it's own good and bad sides. It's what you personally prefer, right?

Yeah I ain't talking about the 360 it's a good console
but in my eyes the Wii just offers something newer and refreshing...
It's all about the graphics these days isn't it ?
Sure, Gears of War and Saints Row are awesome and gives the 360 a little boost and Halo 3 will totally own.

But if you ask people why they want to play these games:

Gears of War : F*cking gr8 graphics

Saints Row : It has better graphics then GTA man I want this !

Halo 3 : Well, the graphics (But the gameplay is also awesome)

Sure ! Graphics , gameplay, all good. But not refreshing. As Wii.

HEY just my opinion heh !

I have literally read three different articles where three different analysts said that each one of the three big game companies would come out ahead this launch season. So... whatever!