A Global Youth Survey conducted by Habbo, the second one it's done apparently, has revealed that PlayStation 3 "is the console of choice for teens today."

The report asked 58,486 teens between the ages of 11 and 18 in a global survey across 31 markets. 69 percent refer to PS3 as 'great' or 'good'. This was followed closely by the Nintendo Wii at 64 percent and Xbox 360 with 58 percent.

PS3 beat Wii in every age group except the 11 to 12 year olds and Wii was more popular among girls up to 16. Are you surprised? Thought not.

The results also showed that while Xbox 360 is less popular in Europe and Asia, its popularity in the US is pretty high. It's the most popular console in Mexico and Colombia and takes second place in the US, Canada, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

"The results of this survey are interesting as it gives us an insight into which brands these teens aspire to as the level of ownership does not correspond to the consoles' popularity," said the people behind the survey. "By order of ownership, the Wii leads, followed by the Xbox 360 and PS3."

Of the teens surveyed, 24 percent own a Wii, with 21 percent and 23 percent owning a PS3 and Xbox 360 respectively. The results do suggest significant growth potential - for each of these consoles, another 20 percent of the demographic are planning on buying one in the next 12 months. Wii and PS3 have the most sales potential.

The report concludes: "As Sony and Xbox strive to broaden their console's appeal, from hardcore to casual gamer, the results of the survey seem to indicate that gender, not previous gaming experience, determines console choice. Regardless of their level of interest towards gaming, boys prefer the PS3 and girls prefer the Wii."

Courtesy of CVG.

May 16, 2008