Xbox takes commanding lead over Gamecube

We all know Xbox is in second place in the UK console race, but it's also hit a homerun in America and even taken a leap over Gamecube in Japan.
In the US, Microsoft has now sold 44 percent more Xbox Live Starter Kits than Sony has sold of its PS2 network adapters, according to research firm NPD Group. Xbox also maintained a 24 per cent market share in January - double the share of GameCube.

In Japan, the launch of DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball saw gamers queuing around the block and also marjed a turnaround in fortunes. Going head-to-head in Sony and Nintendo's own backyard was always going to be a challange, but weekly sales figures for mid-February saw Xbox scores sales of 8.862 compared with 8,177 for GameCube.

Microsoft must build on this momentum.