Xbox 360 has become the fastest-selling home console in UK chart history, Microsoft’s next-gen system beating previous record-holder GameCube by shifting an estimated 70,000 units in its opening weekend.
The £279 Premium version, which launched on December 2nd, has proved most successful, outperforming the £209 Core version by 2:1, while ten out of the 15 launch titles debuted in the All Formats top 40.

Listings compiler ChartTrack noted that 360’s feat is particularly impressive given Nintendo’s GameCube originally launched at under half the price of the Premium system.

360’s performance, amidst widespread fears over stock shortages, compares with estimated launch sales this year of 180,000 for Sony’s PSP handheld in September, and 87,000 for Nintendo’s DS in March.

With ten of Xbox 360’s initial line-up of software also out on other platforms, key multi-format releases have received a boost this week. EA’s Need For Speed: Most Wanted retains the number one spot, while FIFA 06 moves up a place to number three, just behind Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 5.

The highest placed 360 exclusive is Perfect Dark Zero, which enters at 12, followed by Project Gotham Racing 3 at number 16.

Elsewhere, hotly-tipped blockbusters King Kong (Ubisoft) and Narnia (BVG) continued their steady rise, moving up to eighth and 14th respectively.

The only non-360 new release to enter the All Formats top 40 is Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia: Two Thrones at number 29.