There is a higher percentage of PS3 users connected to the online world via broadband than on any other console, according to new research.

Data supplied by The Diffusion Group found that 78 per cent of all PS3 owners have their console hooked up to the internet for online gaming and other features such as access to the BBC iPlayer.

Furthermore, 73 per cent of Xbox 360 owners are plugged into broadband, while just 54 per cent of Wii owners have done the same.

“Today’s game consoles are increasingly connected to the internet, not just to enhance their gaming experience but to access the growing variety of online media-video,” said Michael Greeson, director of research at Diffusion.

John Funk, writing for the EscapistMagazine.com, said that the results were surprising given the fact that Microsoft pushes its online features as “core” to the experience.

In recent times, a number of games have been brought out for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 which have proved popular online, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.