Why are you people such ignorant assholes? Do some research. Read the following quote from Microsoft's Investor Relations Website (page five)
"In the Entertainment and Devices Division, while console revenue was impacted by price cuts and volume decline, overall gaming revenue was up almost $100 million.
Halo 3 ODST was the number one selling console title in the U.S. last month, along with five other Xbox 360 games in the top 10. With a worldwide install base of almost 34 million consoles, Xbox 360 continues to lead the industry with an 8.7 software title attach rate. Xbox Live also contributed strongly to the quarter's performance, with revenue growth in excess of 50 percent. We believe consumers will be excited by the richer multimedia enhancements, and integration with social networks that we are delivering this fall."
Microsoft is citing shipments - this is clear by looking at their powerpoint - slides. The big three sell their systems to retailers like Walmart, so if a research firm like NPD isn't cited, Microsoft is giving the number of systems it sold to retailers.
The 33.5m LTD Shipment Figure is based on this, all of which I've just rechecked on Microsoft's investor's relation website:
Shipments in millions for the Quarter Ending....
March June September December
2005 N/A N/A N/A 1.5
2006 1.7 1.8 0.9 4.5
2007 0.5 0.7 1.7 4.3
2008 1.3 1.3 2.2 6.0
2009 1.7 1.2 2.1
1.5+1.7+1.8+0.9+4.5+0.5+0.7+1.7+4.3+1.3+1.3+2.2+6.0+1.7+1.2+2.1 = 33.5m
Notice how Microsoft's actual, non GameSpot bastardardized quote from their website is almost 34m units? 33.5m is almost 34 million.
People are difficult to govern because they have too much knowledge.
When there are more laws, there are more criminals.
- Lao Tzu
