None of the major games consoles are 'green enough', says environmental group Greenpeace in a report released today.

While all three systems fully comply with European laws, the group says that all three also include harmful materials that should be replaced. came in for the harshest criticism, Greenpeace stating the firm "doesn't have any environmental policies."

Zeina Al-Hajj, Greenpeace's International Toxic Campaign co-ordinator, said: "We were shocked with Nintendo; it was our biggest surprise." The company is described by the group as the least 'green' tech firm.

The and the both contain harmful chemicals, with toxic substances also used as a flame retardant.

Nintendo told the BBC today that they fully comply will EU law and also consider toy laws to ensure their devices are safe.

Greenpeace said that game firms should work harder to provide safe ways for disposing of old consoles, via recycling programs and the like. were praised for cutting substances from their laptops and phones, although the report does ask why such steps can't be taken for their consoles, too.

"None of these chemicals exist in Sony's Vaio laptop. So if they can do it for a laptop, why can't they push this for the console also?" added Ms Al-Hajj.

Along with Sony, electronics giants Samsung, Toshiba and Nokia were judged the most environmentally friendly technology firms. The likes of Sony Ericsson, LGE, Fujitsu, and Lenovo make up the middle ground. At the bottom there are Motorola, Sharp, Microsoft, Panasonic and Acer. Nintendo is still further off all these firms, however.

"We have endeavoured to eliminate the use of PVC by replacing it with other materials and other methods," responded a Ninty representative. "However, we continue to use PVC in certain products such as AC adaptors, within the scope of regulations from the viewpoint of ensuring safety."

More as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge