Xbox Hits 1 Million Across Australia, New Zealand

Microsoft has sold more than 1 million Xbox 360 consoles across Australia and New Zealand, the company said today, as it kicks off a charity auction to celebrate. "Reaching the one million console milestone is a great achievement and one that puts us in a great position for the coming year," said Microsoft New Zealand's Frazer Scott, who says the region is home to some 525,000 Xbox Live subscribers. Alongside the announcement, Microsoft revealed a special event through which it will auction special custom consoles signed by celebrities, like Australian actor Hugh Jackman and New Zealander Russell Crowe. All of the auction proceeds will to go to the David Peachey Foundation. The charity founded by a former professional rugby player supports children from the region's most rural and remote areas in gaining access to athletic programs and pursuing professional sports. Xbox 360 has sold about 20 million units in the United States, about 4 million in the UK, and 1.2 million units in Japan to date.