Microsoft has announced today that strong Thanksgiving week demand has led to strong sales of the Kinect motion control system.
The software giant says sales have now hit 2.5 million worldwide since launch on November 4th.
Adds Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft:
“We are thrilled about the consumer response to Kinect, and are working hard with our retail and manufacturing partners to expedite production and shipments of Kinect to restock shelves as fast as possible to keep up with demand. With sales already exceeding two and a half million units in just 25 days, we are on pace to reach our forecast of 5 million units sold to consumers this holiday.”
Kinect is available in 38 countries.
Result for: stock
Sony has reported today that they have shipped 1 million Move motion controllers in the Americas for the PlayStation 3 in just 30 days since launch. Sony Europe reported 1.5 million sales for the EU during the same time.
President Jack Tretton said the Move system is already out of stock in most retail stores and the company expects that strong Move sales will lead to an increase in console and software sales during the holiday season.
“Sales are brisk,” concluded Tretton, via the WSJ.
The Move, when teamed with the PlayStation Eye camera, gives gamers a chance to interact directly with their games using hand motions and other physical movements.
Sony sells the controller by itself for $49 or bundled with a game and the Eye for $99.
Microsoft will begin selling their rival Kinect system on November 4th.
Result for: stock
On Thursday, Blockbuster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, meaning hundreds of stores will close over the next month as the company restructures.
Through bankruptcy, the company will eliminate about $900 million in debt, leaving the company with $125 million in debt to its senior bondholders. Other bondholders have been wiped out. Blockbuster’s common stock currently trades at 5 cents, meaning for the most part, all long term shareholders have been wiped out, as well.
CEO Jim Keyes said the restructuring will allow Blockbuster to “continue to transform our business model to meet the evolving preferences of our customers.”
Blockbuster has “a well-established brand name, an exceptional library of more than 125,000 titles, and our position as the only operator that provides access across multiple delivery channels — stores, kiosks, by-mail and digital,” added Keyes.
The company has about 3000 stores currently, with plans to close up to 1800 over the next year. 1000 closings were unveiled before the bankruptcy.
Throughout the bankruptcy, all stores and kiosks will remain open for current members.
