By Wolfgang Gruener
Redmond (WA) – Microsoft today said that its Xbox 360 has become the first current-gen game console to hit the 10 million unit market in the U.S. The Xbox Live community has grown to 12 million users worldwide.
“This year will be the largest in the history of the video game industry, with Xbox 360 leading the charge in the U.S. and abroad,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft, in prepared comment on the sales numbers. According to the company, shipments have topped 10 million in the U.S. and 19 million globally.
According to Mattrick, the 10 million milestone is critical as “history has shown us that the first company to reach 10 million in console sales wins the generation battle.”
Microsoft also claims that its Xbox 360 has the industry’s highest software attach rate, more than any other console this generation, “and is home to the best-selling games”. The recent launch of Grand Theft Auto IV is the 16th Xbox 360 game to sell more than one million units. Previous “platinum” titles include Halo 3, Madden NFL 07, Madden NFL 08, Gears of War, Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 3 and Call of Duty 4.
Sony today said that it has sold 12.81 million PS3 consoles so far. The company did not break out U.S. sales.
Updated April game console sales numbers are expected to be released by market research firm NPD tomorrow.
