The history of these reports clearly favors that 34+ million figure falling in the shipped category. The console manufacturers don't have hard stats retail sales, since that would be insider information. I'm sure hey have a sold idea, since they ship the orders to keep the retailers stocked, but not the exact figures...and especially not based on short turnaround in a reporting cycle....as Thepro said, based on experience, it's shipped.
As to the 10-Q...it pretty good...as far as EDD is concerned. Halo ODST did it's thing, but in general, the numbers look really promising for the Division:
“Entertainment and Devices Division (“EDD”) offerings include the Xbox 360 platform (which includes the Microsoft Xbox 360 video game console system, Xbox 360 video games, Xbox Live, and Xbox 360 accessories), the Zune digital music and entertainment platform, PC software games, online games and services, Mediaroom (our Internet protocol television software), the Microsoft Surface computing platform, Windows Mobile and embedded device platforms, and other devices. EDD leads the development efforts for our line of consumer software and hardware products including application software for Apple’s Macintosh computers and Microsoft PC hardware products, and is responsible for all retail sales and marketing for Microsoft Office and Windows operating systems.
EDD revenue was flat with growth in Xbox 360 platform and PC game revenue offset by decreased revenue from the non-gaming portion of the business. Xbox 360 platform and PC game revenue increased by $96 million or 8% due mainly to increased revenue from Xbox Live and Xbox 360 video games, offset in part by decreased revenue per console resulting from price reductions during the past 12 months. We shipped 2.1 million Xbox 360 consoles during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010, compared with 2.2 million Xbox 360 consoles during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. Non-gaming revenue decreased $98 million or 14%, primarily reflecting decreased sales of PC hardware products, Zune digital music and entertainment devices and services, and embedded device platforms. Foreign currency exchange rates accounted for a $35 million or two percentage point decrease in revenue.
EDD operating income increased primarily due to decreased operating expenses. Cost of revenue decreased $103 million or 10%, primarily due to decreased Xbox 360 platform costs, offset in part by increased royalties to partners related to increased Xbox Live transactions. Other operating expenses decreased $51 million or 7%, primarily reflecting decreased headcount-related and outsourced expenses associated with research and development.”
These are just really solid results, and for this upcoming quarter, it’s mostly likely to be even stronger; from the gaming side, Forza is released, and some major 3rd party titles as well…MW2, Dragon Age, etc, so those will make up for the Halo ODST’s launch numbers…which will also tack on another 1.5 to 2 million copies. Of course, the major driver for the EDD in the quarter will be Windows 7 retail …for all the people who have been flailing Xbox for EDD…they are going to be doing the kabuki dance to explain the eye-popping numbers EDD will post for this current qtr.
"...You can't kill ideas with a sword, and you can't sink belief structures with a broadside. You defeat them by making them change..."
- From By Schism Rent Asunder
