Microsoft reacts to March 2008 NPD results

The NPD results for March are in, and Microsoft seems pleased that it’s back to the second spot in the next-generation console race. Despite a bit of a shortage in stock, the Xbox 360 still managed to edge the PS3. This is certainly a good sign coming into the Grand Theft Auto 4 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3) release month. More details in the full article up next.

Microsoft has issued a statement in response to the release of the March 2008 NPD results. The company has expressed satisfaction in the Xbox 360’s climb back to the number two spot in the next-gen console category.

Leadership in attach rate figures and online play services, Microsoft says, are to credit for the continuous success of the console over 26 months. March 2008 saw 262,000 Xbox 360s fly off shelves despite a bit of a supply shortage on Microsoft’s part.

The company guaranteed that retailers will have their stock rooms brimming with Xbox 360 units by the time Rockstar Games releases Grand Theft Auto 4 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3). Microsoft sees huge sales of the game on their platform because of exclusive features like episodic content and the incorporation of the Achievements system.

Microsoft also took the time to stress the fact that third-party game makers are finding the most success in the Xbox 360 compared to other platforms. the company revealed that the average Xbox 360 owner has an attach rate of 7.0, which is about twice that of its competitors.

The Xbox Live service has proven instrumental once more for Microsoft’s good showing as more people are attracted to join the ever-growing user base. In addition to the deepest online gaming experience on consoles offered by Xbox Live, other media such as music and video are also driving the sales figures.

The Xbox 360 certainly looks to remain competitive as it enters its prime years. The platform has the largest and most high-quality collection of games among the three next-gen machines, and more exclusives are still to come. With the system failure issue buzz hushing down, it’s no wonder that more gamers are getting lured in to its yard.