XBOX SALES JUMP IN EUROPE
May 8, 2002

Following the April 26 price cut, Microsoft is reporting a "sizeable increase" in sales of the Xbox in Europe. The company claims to be "neck-and-neck" with the PS2, citing that Xbox has 49% of the UK next gen console market, 46% in France, and 55% in Germany based on week-to-week sales since launch, with an improvement in the initial strong attach rate to 3.7 games in the UK.

"Our customers have reacted positively to the price drop and we have seen an uplift in sales since April 26," said Alex Croft, head of buying for GAME Stores Group Ltd, one of the region's largest game retailers.

Sandy Duncan, vice president of Xbox Europe, added, "Our strategy is to give outstanding value to as many consumers as possible, and the increased Xbox sales since the price reduction indicate that strategy is on track. The new price allows us to be more competitive and make serious inroads into the hearts of European gamers leading up to Christmas, 2002."