According to the latest console retail-sales data released by market research firm NPD, the sales of Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation consoles witnessed a marginal rise in February 2010, while Nintendo’s Wii continued to be marred with problems.

NPD statistics revealed that Xbox 360 dominated the console sales scene for the month of February – marking Microsoft’s first lead in console sales in over two years - selling 422,000 units; as compared to the 398,000 unit sales of the Wii and 360,000 unit sales of PS3.

That Xbox 360 is making small yet steady gains in console sales is evident from the fact that the console reported a 7 percent year-on-year rise in January, when it sold 333,000 units; and an 8 percent sales growth in February.

Microsoft has attributed the improved sales to “a stellar portfolio of exclusive blockbuster games, a fresh pipeline of new content on Xbox LIVE and high anticipation for controller-free gaming and entertainment with 'Project Natal' for Xbox 360.”

Dennis Durkin, the company’s COO of Interactive Entertainment Business, opines that February 2010 was indisputably the “biggest and the best February in Xbox 360 history.”

Meanwhile, though Nintendo has cited a demand-supply imbalance for its weak performance, analysts say the “Wii lacks an important upcoming catalyst” – especially with PS3 boasting several high-profile titles and a new motion controller; and Xbox 360 boasting its Project Natal.