The latest figures were released late yesterday in the US, with unsurprisingly taking the month by storm.

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Wii topped 687,000, followed by the handheld on an equally mighty 536,000.

The was third, sales soaring over 40% on the back of a price cut, giving sales of 347,000 units. Fourth was the first PlayStation system to chart - the - with 238,000.

The PlayStation 3 is a now a long way behind the 360, with a monthly total of 232,000 - the scraping in sixth with 173,000.

Despite falling some way behind the 360, described their performance as 'solid', and noted that they are confident in a good festive season. Microsoft, meanwhile, were understandably vitriolic: "Xbox 360 turns up the volume with a 42% sales surge following price cut and launch of 2," beamed the press release.

Nintendo, of course, are sitting pretty: "The Balance Board and Wii Wheel give players new ways to interact with their games, while the Wii Remote controller transforms into a pool cue, table paddle or lightsaber. Consumers have truly responded to this variety of entertainment options," offered Ninty's Cammie Dunaway.

By Luke Guttridge