Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) said this week that its entertainment and devices division, which includes its Xbox video game business, reported a profit of $165 million in the company's fiscal first quarter, fueled in large part by the release of "Halo 3" for the Xbox 360. The profit compares with a loss of $142 million in the same period a year ago. Revenues at the Xbox unit were also up 91%, to $1.93 billion.

"Xbox and PC game revenue increased $895 million or 148% as a result of increased Xbox 360 console sales, video game sales led by Halo 3, and Xbox 360 accessory sales," the company stated in its quarterly report.

"We shipped 1.8 million Xbox 360 consoles in the current quarter as compared to 0.9 million consoles in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007. Halo 3 was launched in September 2007 and generated approximately $330 million of revenue during the quarter."

The company expects the positive revenue trend to continue through fiscal year 2008, "due to the increased sales of Xbox 360 consoles and related games, accessories, and services, and sales of Zune products."

Related Links:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071025/aqth132.html?.v=17

http://biz.yahoo.com/e/071025/msft10-q.html