In what can only be described as an inspired comment by Sony Computer Entertainment president Kazuo Hirai, the big boss man seemed to suggest to the Nikkei daily business newspaper that a boost in software numbers for the PlayStation 3 would help turn around its ailing fortunes. Who'd've thunk it?

The Nintendo Wii has been outselling the PlayStation 3 console by a margin of 3-1 in Japan and more than 2-1 in the United States so far this year, according to game magazine publisher Enterbrain and research firm NPD.

Hirai was quoted by the Nikkei publication as saying that 200 retail software titles and 180 downloadable titles would be released for the PS3 in the current business year - which runs through to next March. At present, there are 60 retail software games attributed to the PlayStation 3 and a further 50 downloadable titles, so, with Sony's claims we're all looking forward to massive growth in the console's software library by next spring.

Hirai told the Nikkei that Sony would work with game software publishers on marketing, including events and in-store promotions, to help ensure an increase in the release of games. Let’s hope he also mentioned that they should make original titles worthy of gamers' attention.