Yes, you read that headline correctly. According to Research and Markets, Sony's PlayStation 3 will eventually win the hard-fought next-generation console race. It's time to ask a simple question: does this research firm know something that the rest of the world doesn't?

Let's think this through for a second. First, Microsoft's Xbox 360 has an enormous head start on Sony and has already sold around 10 million consoles. In fact, another research firm, NPD Group, recently reported that Xbox 360 sold 2 million units in the U.S. during the holiday season (November to Dec. 25). Plus, with hit titles like Gears of War and forthcoming games like Halo 3, the Xbox 360 has a stronger library of games than the PS3.

Then there's Nintendo's Wii, which sold nearly 2 million units in North America since its launch on November 19th and has attracted positive buzz like it was a giant flood light pulling in hapless moths. The Wii has gotten outstanding critical reviews for the most part, while the PS3 has been ravaged by negative reviews in the mainstream press from the likes of the New York Times.

Plus, the PS3 suffered shortages for its launch and sold less than half the number of Wiis Nintendo sold. Also, the PS3 launch library is significantly weaker and a number of big titles scheduled for 2007 will be available on the Xbox 360 and in some cases the Wii as well. Oh, and don't forget the seemingly endless stream of stories about people returning their PS3s because they couldn't sell them on eBay for a mammoth profit and numerous retailers with PS3s sitting on the shelves, unsold and collecting dust.

So why will the most expensive console with the least amount of buzz and positive reviews eventually win the race? That's a good question, and frankly, I don't have the answer. And I'm not sure that Research and Markets does either. I haven't read the report - because I don't have it - but here are some excerpts from the press release:

"The PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360, dubbed the next generation of consoles, each hold a unique position with regard to console offerings. While Sony and Microsoft aim towards increased functionality as a key driver for adoption, Nintendo look for innovative game play and the elusive fun factor. The Sony PlayStation 3 is expected to win the console war in the long term with an install base of around 75 million globally by 2010. The console is not expected to dominate as much as its predecessor, the PS2, due to late launch issues in the PAL region and the early lead of Microsoft's Xbox 360."

If you figure this one out, please let me know.