I think they do a pretty good job in Europe.

Remember, PC gaming for FPS in much stronger in Europe than US, weakening a key element of the consoles appeal. Also, the brand was weak at launch (TBH practically non-existent) and in Europe I believe RROD was seen as much more serious than US - extended warranties don't cut as much mustard in many European counties, with high failure rates seen as very off putting. Also, a lot of popular European franchises are associted with Sony.

From that position, and looking at Xbox last gen, I'd say MS has done pretty well in Europe actually. It will sell less than PS3 in the end but the numbers are better than I would have expected when the 360 launched - and I can't help wondering if they're better than even MS would have forecast at launch unless they were being hugely optimistic.

Yes they should do a better job, not increasing the RRP of the Arcade in the UK for example would have made the sales even better.

You can get the arcade cheaper than before, even though the rrp was increased. Retailers haven't been looking at the RRP's on the arcade quite recently.

Once a blue moon you can, how about you find me a cheap Arcade, thats in stock mind you too.  They're used as loss leaders from time to time, they haven't had large chunks knocked off like the PS3 did right before the slim launch and any silly prices don't last long.

http://www.shopto.net/XBOX%20360/HARDWARE/XB2AR02-XBox%20360%20Arcade%20Console.html

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/video-game-xbox-360-arcade-game-cons/ukuk3812066_jvart.html?srcid=867

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/videogames/676520011/ref=amb_link_84048773_2?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=0WA9CVPZTR3C9260JGR9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=109912367&pf_rd_i=15826471

All in-stock, all under £125 with an RRP of 159.99. And sometimes you can get better deals than that, HMV, Argos, and Amazon have had them for 99quid in the past 2 months.

Cool, I had seen some £120 offers but they were out of stock now.  The simple fact is xmas 2008 the Arcade practically stayed at £99 for a month so Microsoft raised the RRP up to shaft retailers into sticking to the £130 region.  Sure there is some £99 deals occasionally but they don't last long.  Never thought to check shopto in all honesty

I agree football is huge in Europe, and Sony has been around for a very very long time, so its natural that brand recognition and loyalty is HUGE in Europe. Having said that, thats why MS need to do a much more expansive marketing campaign in the rest of Europe. Xbox 360 has come a long long way in UK, and like some of you may have said, I think UK has the largest marketshare in terms of gaming, and that I do not think the console gaming culture isn't etched into the rest of Europe as much as it is in the UK.

As a result this untapped market holds so much potential if the price is right and if the right marketing solution is executed along with the right software and hardware. In the UK the Arcade SKU is INSANELY cheap, I saw on offer for £90.00 in Argos. I don't know about you, but I think that is just ridiculously cheap! I wouldn't even have a hard time if I broke my Elite, I could just go out and buy an Arcade?

Anyway, thats besides the point, the point is that Sony is highly recognized in Europe, and as a result, MS need to build a much stronger product awareness if they are to over-take Sony and have a solid place in the console race because Sony has more than dominated Japan over MS, selling much more units, so it is imperative that if MS wish to increase the gap between Sony again, they need to more than win over Europe. It may be tough, but certainly possible

Yes MS needs to do more in Europe. With the "luxury" taxes included, 360s are really expensive in Europe and the PS3 looks like a better all-inclusive product to many at the register. MS needs a relaunch in Europe. Hopefully, the 360+ (or whatever Redmond is calling the slim nowadays) will do the job.

The PS3 also never suffered from having a higher price as much and the games came 6 months quicker relative to launch. The PS3 was cheaper than the PS2 launch price 6 months after release, which makes it a fair bit cheaper once you consider inflation.

They have made tremendous strides this gen. I think some of their focus on the Japanese market could have been better spent in getting European gamers however.