Nervous? Microsoft hypes Xbox 360 on Metal Gear Solid 4 launch

Microsoft attempts to hijiack the launch of Metal Gear Solid 4 with a spot of hype, touting stellar sales of the Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto IV.

He's got his Solid Eye on you, Microsoft.

He's got his Solid Eye on you, Microsoft.

On the day which the year's most anticipated game launches exclusively for PlayStation 3, Microsoft was quick to amp the success of its own Xbox 360. The release of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was met with figures showing heavy-hitter Grand Theft Auto IV has sold more on Xbox 360 than PlayStation 3.

Microsoft was quick to trumpet the success in a move likely orchestrated to counter the worldwide release of Konami's stealth-action blockbuster. While Metal Gear Solid IV is expected to sell well, it'll be tough to match the incredible numbers Grand Theft Auto IV has pulled it. A press release issued by Microsoft proclaimed, "Xbox 360 generates more dollars at retail for third party publishers."

Looking at sales figures for Grand Theft Auto IV proves the point. The game sold more than a combined 1.3 million copies in May. Backing Microsoft's claim, NPD data shows the Xbox 360 version outsold PS3 2-to-1. Interestingly enough, while Grand Theft Auto IV did phenomenally well on Xbox 360, it was the only game for the console to crack the top ten. May was dominated by Nintendo titles for Wii and DS.

Beyond trading blows with PlayStation 3 on game sales, Microsoft hailed the Xbox 360 as being the preferred console of choice with a higher average playtime. Citing Nielsen Games GamePlay Metrics, the company rose above PS3 and even Wii with 75 hours of gametime per month for Xbox 360 owners. PS3 clocking in at 53 hours, whereas Wii drew up third place with only 35 hours.

THE VERDICT by Tracy Erickson Tracy Erickson's Avatar You can't log in GTA IV playtime on an Xbox 360 when it dies a horrible red-ring death. Just sayin'. I can't play anything, let alone my copy of Grand Theft Auto IV, given that my 360 broke down earlier this week :(

Comments [156]

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ROCKY102682

The Verdict by Tracy Erickson You can't log in GTA IV playtime on an Xbox 360 when it dies a horrible red-ring death. Just sayin'. .........................................Guess we know what side this guy is on.

ROCKY102682

wiinut81 Posted at: 06/13/08 at 11:00 AM PST First. Dam straight!!! .......................................................No first for you!!!

OtisFeelgood

You can't log in GTA IV playtime on an Xbox 360 when it dies a horrible red-ring death. Just sayin'.
LOL Flamebait to the extreme...

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