Wii console tops 56 million globally

But profts plummet at Nintendo

The total, worldwide installed base of the Nintendo Wii has now topped 56 million units - the platform holder reveal in their latest financial briefing.

Apparently, this grand total was passed as the console sailed through 5.75 million mark during the six month period to the end of September. Some 76 million software units were sold over the same period.

In handheld news, Nintendo tell us that the DS - and all revisions of it - have now topped sales of 113 million, shifting 11.7 million consoles during the aforementioned six month spell.

Despite these seemingly solid numbers - revenues have dropped heavily at Nintendo. Sales for the six months to September 30th were down 35 percent, profits dropping a whopping 59 percent. More soon.

By Luke Guttridge