Microsoft has revealed that over 80 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold since launch, with just a month to go before the Xbox One hits shelves.
According to the company’s internal data, the Xbox 360 reached the 80 million milestone this month, with demand for the console still high.
Although the figure is for “consoles sold to retailers worldwide”, which doesn’t directly correlate to those actually sold to consumers, it does show that there is still demand for the console in the market.
For September in the US, sales of Xbox 360 software reached $401.2 million (£247.9 million). This is the highest September figure recorded since the Xbox 360 launched eight years ago. Of course, this was boosted by the GTA 5 and FIFA 14 releases.
The Xbox 360 has sold 1.6 million units in the US so far this year, but the console was beaten by the PlayStation 3 in sales last month in America. Microsoft’s now ageing console is still the top-selling console for the year.
Despite such strong overall sales figures, that 80 million sales figure is beaten by the original PlayStation, the PS2, the Nintendo DS, Game Boy, Game Boy Colour, Wii and Game Boy Advance. It is still the seventh best-selling console in history though.
The Xbox One release date has been scheduled for November 22 in 13 markets worldwide, with other locations having to wait until next year after release date delays were announced by Microsoft.
Microsoft has already confirmed that Xbox 360 support will continue for three more years after the Xbox One release.
“If you look at Xbox 360 that platform has lasted for seven to eight years and it’s going to go for another three year. It’s incredibly profitable now in the tail,” explained Yusuf Mehdi, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer for Xbox.
“It isn’t just like the day we ship Xbox One, Xbox 360 won’t work. We will continue to support it. In fact, we are going to ship over 100 new games on Xbox 360, so you will still be able to play your games, just not on the same exact box.”
Next, read our Xbox One vs Xbox 360 comparison.
