Xbox 360 Overtakes Wii as the UK’s Best Selling Console

MCV reports that according to the latest GfK Chart Track figures the Xbox 360 has overtaken the Wii to become the best-selling current generation console in the UK. 

Chart Track reports that the Xbox 360 has sold 8.4 million units in the UK and is set to pass the Wii in a matter of days.

Harvey Eagle, the Director of Xbox and Entertainment for Microsoft, commented "This is an historic milestone and our sincere thanks goes to each and every person that has bought and enjoyed Xbox 360 over the past eight years.

"As you saw at E3 earlier this month, we announced a new Xbox 360 form factor and we are committed to ensuring Xbox 360 remains the best place to play games, connect with friends and enjoy your entertainment. You'll see great exclusive content coming not only to Xbox 360, but also to Xbox One later this year." 

The Xbox 360 is still some 1.6 million off the UK's best ever selling console, the PlayStation 2, which sold 10 million units.

While Microsoft may consistantly dominate in North America and the UK the PS3 regularly outsells its rivals in Europe, Asia, Australia and especially Japan where only a few hundred Xbox 360s are sold each week.

In terms of lifetime global sales some estimates place the PS3 just ahead of the Xbox 360 with both consoles over the 77 million unit threshold. To date, the Wii has sold 100 million units and both the PS3 and Xbox 360 are expected to reach similar numbers by the end of their life cycle.

Even so, this is a significant achievement for Microsoft mere months before the launch of the Xbox One which is set to cost £429 in the UK at launch. The PS4, which is also set for release later this year, will retail in the UK for £349. 

Retailer GAME recently opened an Xbox specific store in London.