July NPD: 360 "only console showing growth in US this year," says MS

Microsoft has responded to last night's NPD figures by saying that Xbox 360 was the only console showing growth in the US this year, with sales increasing 17 percent year-over-year within the first seven months of 2009.

Sales for Xbox 360 reached 203,000 units for July and the company attributes this to the console's starting price of $199, along with Netflix, and new stuff coming down the pipe (Last.fm, Facebook).

In the 12 months through June, Live members accumulated more than 1.7 billion multiplayer gaming hours - which was more than double the amount the previous year.

"Third-party titles continue to find success on Xbox 360 with sales totaling $101 million in July, more than any other system," said Microsoft. "Xbox 360 maintains the streak of leading third-party games sales for every month of 2009.

"Xbox 360 is also home to some of the most-anticipated upcoming titles with a blockbuster line-up of exclusives that includes "Halo 3: ODST," "Forza Motorsport 3," and "Left 4 Dead 2."

The full thing is through the break.

July NPD: Xbox 360 Continues to Be the Industry's Sole Bright Spot in 2009

July NPD results are in and Xbox 360 highlights include:

• Xbox 360 system sales increased 17 percent in the first seven months of 2009, making it the only console to show growth this year
• Xbox 360 was the home to sports games in July, landing three different titles in the console top 10
• Xbox LIVE Arcade showcased creative new titles, as "Battlefield: 1943" had a record-breaking launch and Summer of Arcade kicks off with the innovative "Splosion Man"

Amid a tough economic climate, Xbox 360 is the only home console showing growth in the U.S. this year, offering wallet-watching consumers the best value with a $199 starting price, the broadest selection of games for everyone, and innovative social and entertainment experiences they can't get anywhere else.

The evidence: Xbox 360 U.S. retail sales reached 203,000 units in July, contributing to a 17 percent increase in year-over-year sales in the first seven months of 2009. Just this week, the launch of an even better Netflix movie-watching experience, downloadable Games on Demand, and Avatar Marketplace has only strengthened the value and experience Xbox 360 has to offer.

Sports Titles Take Top Spots on Xbox 360 in July Gamers tackled, jabbed and grappled their way onto Xbox 360 in July as sports titles dominated the console top 10 list. Key titles for Xbox 360 included "NCAA Football 10" and "Fight Night 4" from Electronic Arts, and "UFC 2009 Undisputed" from THQ.

Third-party titles continue to find success on Xbox 360 with sales totaling $101 million in July, more than any other system. Xbox 360 maintains the streak of leading third-party games sales for every month of 2009. Xbox 360 is also home to some of the most-anticipated upcoming titles with a blockbuster line-up of exclusives that includes "Halo 3: ODST," "Forza Motorsport 3," and "Left 4 Dead 2."

Consumers flock to Xbox LIVE's entertainment experiences. With an active user base of more than 20 million people, Xbox LIVE continues to build on its position as the leading online gaming and entertainment service:

• Users are enjoying Xbox LIVE more than ever before: in the 12 months through June, LIVE members engaged in more than 1.7 billion multiplayer gaming hours - more than double the amount the previous year.
• July was also an exciting month for Xbox LIVE Arcade as "Battlefield: 1943" from Electronic Arts shattered the record for first-day and first-week downloads, while "Splosion Man" and kicked off Summer of Arcade by showcasing the kind of fresh, innovative experiences Xbox LIVE is known for.
• In August, Summer of Arcade will conclude with the highly anticipated "Shadow Complex," from Chair Entertainment and "Gears of War" creators Epic Games.
• This fall will see the debut of innovative new Xbox LIVE features such as Facebook and Twitter custom-built for the living room, instant-on 1080p HD movies and TV shows, and streaming music with Last.fm, a breadth of new experiences that are set to sustain this momentum through 2009 and beyond.