First, Japan:

http://vgchartz.com/hwlaunch.php?cons1=X360&reg1=Japan&cons2=XB&reg2=Japan&cons3=X360&reg3=Japan&weeks=156

This is easily the most startling graph, as it shows not only that the 360 has already surpassed the original Xbox's LTD, but also that it's curve works in the opposite direction: the original Xbox sold reasonably well at first and then died off, while the 360 started dead and has picked up (a tiny bit) of steam.

http://vgchartz.com/hwlaunch.php?cons1=X360&reg1=Total+Other&cons2=XB&reg2=Total+Other&cons3=X360&reg3=Total+Other&weeks=156

Now, the least impressive graph. it appears the Xbox brand has made little headway overall in other regions beyond its predecessor. With that said, sales for the Xbox were okay to begin with, so it's not terrible, but based both on the oscillating comparisons with the original Xbox and the decreasing marketshare the 360 has seen in the EU the last month, it doesn't look like the 360 is going to pull significantly away from its predecessor in this region.

http://vgchartz.com/hwlaunch.php?cons1=X360&reg1=America&cons2=XB&reg2=America&cons3=X360&reg3=America&weeks=156

This chart is less startling but perhaps more impressive than the Japanese one. Note how the 360 was mimicing the original Xbox's sales for some time, but has recently begun to pull significantly away from its predecessor. This is also true worldwide:

http://vgchartz.com/hwlaunch.php?cons1=X360&reg1=All&cons2=XB&reg2=All&cons3=X360&reg3=All&weeks=156

I believe we have reached the timeframe where last generation saw the success of the PS2 smothering the sales of its competitors; clearly, that isn't happening to the 360 this time around.

it's really cool how the curves almost look identical in form. xbox 360 is putting some distance between the two but it would still be nice if it could improve its share outside of the us

That's pretty interesting. Now to do this for the Wii vs. GC and PS3 vs. PS2, hahaha.

Nice breakdown, Bod. One thing to factor in here is the price points of each console. MS was bleeding money at this point in the Xbox's life to keep up with the spiraling prices set by Sony and the PS2.

This time around, it appears that they have righted the ship and now make money 24 months into the console's life while still maintaining a higher price point than the Xbox did at launch.

Next year will be very telling; Sony already launched the first salvo with their hack 'n' slash price points while MS virtually sat still. If MS can get the price of the Pro down below 300 dollars/euros (279 would be nice) before GTA IV hits, then things will genuinely heat up in 2008.

i agree with rocket

It is also interesting in Japan i find, how little boost the old X-box got for New Year,... generally lower total sales means higher percentage boost for Dec and Jan, yet the old XB just about doubled normal [1k-ish] weekly sales.
360 has roughly 3X the normal sales [3k-ish] yet easily more than doubles for New Years weeks

I think its better if Microsoft did spend more money in Europe. The europens sales have not improved. They have bought many time exclusives in Japan and made Japan games and still they did not get good boost ,70k sales does not seem worth it. If they did half the effort they made in Japan in Europe they would have great sales here.( I dont mean they should abandon Japan, just spend more money in Europe). Overall Microsoft have improved from last gen with sales its selling much better then Xbox.

 Totally agree, but those are unkown factors with unkown consequences. It's entirely possible that they won't cut price for a long time. I think it's unlikely, of course, but until we actually see what Microsoft does and how things sell, the graphs I've linked are what we have to work with.

If I WERE to speculate, I absolutely agree that the 360 will continue to pull away from the sales of its predecessor, especially in America and Japan.  

is microsoft doing well at keeping the 360 close to a profit?