PS3 overtakes Nintendo Wii
Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3) has overtaken the Nintendo Wii to become the UK's most searched for console on the internet.

Hitwise UK said the share of UK internet searches for the PS3 increased 14 per cent in the past four weeks and overtook the Nintendo Wii in the week ending February 10. The Xbox 360 was the third most searched for console ahead of the PlayStation Portable and the Nintendo DS.

Many consumers are using the web to search for cheap consoles, and are also comparing the£425 UK price tag - which is£120 higher than the US retail price - with overseas markets.

However, the study also showed that the excitement surrounding the console has decreased since plans were first announced in May 2005. Searches were 49 per cent higher the week the console was unveiled compared with last week.

By contrast, searches for the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii increased 119 per cent and 40 per cent respectively the week before launch.