Xbox 360 recently enjoyed biggest sales week ever

Offers great entertainment value for families in times when money is tight.

Microsoft has revealed that its Xbox 360 recently achieved its biggest sales week ever, no small part thanks to the September price drops which lowered the price of the Xbox 360 Arcade to £129.99.

"To date, we have sold 7 million consoles in Europe and recently enjoyed our biggest sales week ever," said Neil Thompson, senior regional director, Northern Europe, Entertainment & Devices Division, Microsoft Corporation.

The news was included in a press release intended to outline the appeal of the Xbox 360 in the current economic climate. Microsoft surveyed over 1000 people and its research has shown that this Christmas the average UK household is looking to buy an entertainment product which is suitable for the whole family.

"There's a wealth of psychological evidence that families benefit from bonding by sharing common interests and fun together," said Cambridge don, Dr Brendan Burchell, a specialist in Psychology and Economics. "With many families experiencing financial worries this Christmas, it's important that families find affordable ways of entertaining themselves, which will often mean playing at home rather than more expensive trips out."

Martin Olausson, director of Digital Media Research at Strategy Analytics added: "In tough economic times, home entertainment products traditionally do well, as consumers tend to want to stay in and save money. Gaming and entertainment consoles like the Xbox 360 are seen as good value, given they can entertain the whole household through Christmas and beyond."

With releases including Lips, You're in the Movies and Scene It? Microsoft has made a strong push to appeal to the family market this Christmas.