Microsoft Corp. has released a statement claiming that after it slashed pricing of its Xbox 360 game system, sales of all the versions of the console increased dramatically. The immediate sales surge could have been expected, however, this does not automatically proof mid-term success.

“Microsoft Xbox 360 sales have surged, with retailers reporting over 100% sales lift for all Xbox 360 models compared to the previous weekend. Additionally, retailers are reporting that between Friday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 7, some Xbox 360 models were selling at six times the rate they were the weekend prior,” the software giant said in a statement.

Beginning September 5, Xbox 360 Arcade started to retail for the estimated retail price of $199.99, the Xbox 360 60GB console for $299.99 and Xbox 360 Elite for $399.99.

Sales of Microsoft Xbox 360 have not been really strong this year and the company continuously reduced pricing of the system in various regions to boost its popularity. In addition, the company awaits several new video games that will further improve acceptance of the platform. Later this year Microsoft is rumoured to unveil a motion-sensing game controller for Xbox 360.

“At $199, Xbox 360 is now not only the most affordable next-generation console available, but it also packs more entertainment punch per dollar than any other consumer electronics device connected to your TV. Xbox 360 invites you into a limitless world where the best games, movies and TV shows live side by side with your personal pictures and music library, and the experience is ready to share anytime with friends in your living room or across the globe through Xbox Live,” Microsoft added.

Microsoft Xbox 360 console is based around triple-core microprocessor developed by IBM, high-definition visual processing unit designed by ATI Technologies, I/O controller engineered by SiS and some other key components. The gaming machine provides a broad set of multimedia capabilities in addition to games.

Tags: Microsoft, Xbox