Boasting its "biggest year in Xbox history," Microsoft today sent word that life-to-date unit sales of its Xbox 360 console are now up to 28 million worldwide, which the company says puts its lead over rival PlayStation 3 at more than eight million units. The company's leading Xbox Live service also saw plenty of growth last year, as membership swelled to 17 million and online spending increased by 84 percent. In fact, digital downloads and Xbox Live revenue in general grew to more than $1 billion since the 360 launched three years ago.
The 2008 Holiday period in particular was a highlight for Xbox Live, as it saw its "busiest week ever" between Christmas and New Year's Day. Microsoft said there were more than 1.5 million concurrent members online.
"For Xbox, 2008 will be remembered around the world as a pivotal growth year at retail and online — even in the face of tough economic conditions," said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "Worldwide, a record number of players flocked to our broadest games and entertainment lineup ever, while the New Xbox Experience thrilled millions of fans by making our console even more engaging. And yet, we've only provided a glimpse into the new world of interactive entertainment that we're imagining. The best of Xbox 360 is yet to come."
Reader Comments (19)
you ps3 lovers are all retarted. I'm sorry, but you don't know how amazing the xbox live experience with games like gears of war and halo 3 is. even a game like cod 5 is better on the 360 just because of the online play. i'll take improved, less laggy online play over slightly better graphics anyday. stop *****ing about the price, it's less than 5$ a month. if u wanna talk about money, keep in mind that the extra 200$ you paid for the ps3 could've gotten you a copy of gears of war 2, halo 3 (much better than ur crappy Resistance game) and 2 years of xbox live. yes, the ps3 online is free, but "free" stuff is never true quality. btw, i HOPE my 360 breaks down soon. my friend;s broke, and he sent it back, and after 1 week, he got it back with a coupon for 3 free months of xbox live and a fixed up 360.
It's a matter of preference who's on top...in terms of sales that's great but just because something sells more doesn't mean it's better. Just like video games there's gems where there are only a bit released and then there's the over hyped ones that sells millions of copies but no ones to say the one that sells more is better because it's based on peoples opinions.
I have an PS3 and it is far better in graphs and a all around better system than the 360 could ever be and that is why almost after the PS3 came out microsoft started working on the next X box game system to rival it
god you ps3 fanboys. # sealz3312 on 1/7/2009 6:54 pm to bad the failure rate doesnt matter if u have the warranty and get a new one free yes thank you. Who ever buys another 360 because theirs is broken(as long as they have the warranty) is just plain dumb. Anyways, 360 has better game selection than the ps3 and better graphics ^_^. Sure the ps3 is a cool system, but they don't really have anything and it costs 2x more than a 360. Wii>360>ps3. The ps3 will never top the 360.
to bad the failure rate doesnt matter if u have the warranty and get a new one free
Yeah, I think Sony thought out their system much more than Microsoft did. Microsoft made a fan for the 360 so that it wouldn't over-heat, but the problem is that the fan plugs directly into the 360, so it makes it even hotter. How counterproductive. Sony worked with Pellican games, I believe, and made a fan that slides on the end of the Ps3 that looks like an extension of the Ps3, and it has a separate power source. Plus, PS Network is free. You can't beat free.
i totally agree with what u said....i own a playstation 3 and love it.... i just bought my boys a x box 360 pro and i bet them that my system will last longer then their x box will. plus with playstation u dont need wires or to spend a hundred dollars on a network card like u do for x box to go on the internet. only need a router. rock on SONY lol
lol thats probly cause so many of them break and they have to buy new ones lol
Too bad the Xbox 360 has a 70% failure rate. The reason why Xbox has more sales is because the Ps3 is pricey. The Ps3 is much more powerful, and has a less than 1% failure rate. Suck it, Microsoft