Xbox 360 Records Biggest Year in History Despite Tough Economy

Strategic Insights -

In 2008, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft Corp. experienced its biggest year yet, with record-breaking sales and online entertainment consumption. The system's life-to-date unit sales reached 28 million consoles worldwide, expanding its lead over Sony PlayStation 3 to more than 8 million units. The Xbox LIVE community also grew to over 17 million active members, with online consumer spending increasing 84 percent from the previous year. This growth was fueled by the launch of the New Xbox Experience, a broad selection of hit games, TV shows, and movies, and mass-market price points starting at $199.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Xbox 360 recorded the biggest year in its history in 2008, with 28 million consoles sold worldwide, expanding its lead over the PS3 to over 8 million units.
  • The Xbox LIVE community grew to over 17 million active members, with online consumer spending increasing 84 percent from the previous year.
  • The New Xbox Experience, launched in 2008, played a significant role in the console's growth, offering a broad selection of hit games, TV shows, and movies.
  • Xbox 360 sales nearly doubled in Japan and Europe, increasing market share in these key territories.
  • In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Xbox 360 sold over 8 million units, extending its lead over the PS3 by more than 1 million units.
  • The console's popularity was fueled by digital distribution of games and entertainment content, with services like Netflix on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE offering a vast library of downloadable games, game add-ons, movies, and TV shows.
  • Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, attributed the console's success to its broad games and entertainment lineup, as well as the New Xbox Experience, which made the console more engaging for players.
  • Despite tough economic conditions, the Xbox 360 experienced record-setting sales worldwide, particularly in Japan and Europe.

Statistics:

  • 28 million: Life-to-date unit sales of Xbox 360 consoles worldwide.
  • 8 million: Difference in sales between Xbox 360 and PS3 units.
  • 17 million: Number of active Xbox LIVE members.
  • 84 percent: Increase in online consumer spending on Xbox LIVE from the previous year.
  • $1 billion: Amount spent on Xbox LIVE since its launch.
  • Over 12,000: Number of movies and TV shows available on Netflix on Xbox 360.

Sources:

  • Entertainment Newsweekly editors, staff and other reports (as seen on VerticalNews.com).
  • Microsoft Corp. (quoted by Don Mattrick).