Xbox 360 has best European Christmas ever

Microsoft today revealed sales data showing that Christmas 2008 was the biggest sales period ever in the Xbox brand’s six-year European history, with sales of Xbox 360 almost double those of Christmas 2007.

Eight million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) up to the end of 2008, widening its lead over Playstation 3 in the region to over one million according to Microsoft.

Chart-Track data shows that Xbox 360 was the fastest-growing console of 2008, with sales in the fourth quarter of 2008 over double that of the same period in 2007, spurred on by a mix of value, great games and entertainment, and the recently launched New Xbox Experience.

Chris Lewis, Regional Vice President, Interactive Entertainment Business EMEA, said: “Christmas 2008 was a resounding success for Xbox 360. 2008 saw us grow faster than any of our competitors and we over-achieved in sales during the crucial Christmas selling period. We reduced the entry-level Xbox 360 RRP in September, understanding the need for great value, and European consumers have responded enthusiastically. With eight million consoles sold since we launched, and consistently out-selling PlayStation 3 in EMEA, we’re poised to build on this success in 2009. This success was only possible through our partnerships with retail and with publishers, with whom we’ve worked closely to build a strong ecosystem in the region and to bring value to our shared customer base. As we move into 2009 and an uncertain economic climate, we continue to be committed to offering the right blend of gaming and entertainment experiences at the right price.”

Nick Gibson, Founding Analyst, Games Investor Consulting, said: “Microsoft appears to have enjoyed an excellent end to 2008 in Europe. According to Chart Track data, the Xbox 360 recorded in excess of 100% growth in December sales compared to 2007 across the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain, well ahead of any other console. It also recorded comfortably the highest rate of year-on-year growth for the final quarter of 2008 overall.”

Nick Parker, Founder and Games Analyst, Parker Consulting, said: “I have seen early returns for the December 2008 sales data indicating that Xbox 360 has shown a significant sales increase year on year and furthermore is ahead of its nearest rival in terms of lifetime consumer hardware sales in the EMEA region, with an installed base of over eight million units.”

It’ll be very interesting to hear the official Playstation 3 sales figures in Europe from Sony, as SCEE boss David Reeves said in December, “I am confident that in PAL territories our installed base is 300,000 units ahead of Xbox 360”.

Bear in mind though that SCEE’s PAL territories also includes Australia and New Zealand, so the two companies arent comparing like-with-like. But if PS3 is outselling 360 by 1.3 million units down under, then I’ll eat my hat.