No longer number one in the UK?

Microsoft's Xbox 360 console has topped 8 million consoles sold in the UK to date, and is now on track to surpass Nintendo Wii's sales record in the region. This would secure the system's position as the UK's number 1 selling console.

But that incoming PlayStation announcement on February 20th could intrinsically effect how Xbox 360's momentum holds up — as could the Wii U's growth, for that matter.

Here's what Jon Grimes, Microsoft's regional boss, had to say about the news:

Ten years ago, to think we would be the leader in our second generation is a achievement.

Our job is not to get lost in the industry chatter, but to ensure that the consumers going into stores, going online, still experience Xbox. The announcement is important for the industry, but it is also important to remember who is buying right now.

Four times as many 360s than Wiis were sold in 2012 according to retail research agency GFK Chart-Track. Previously, Nintendo UK had confirmed that 8 million Wii consoles had been sold in the UK by Christmas 2012. Now Xbox 360 looks to overtake Wii's subsequent sales figures in a 'number of weeks', according to MCV.

The Xbox 360 has been knocking around since late 2005, which is quite some time as far as console generations go.

As staggering as these figures may be, it's worth keeping in mind that the Wii was released a full year after the 360 in most parts of the world and has since been replaced by the Wii U. Meanwhile, a successor to the Xbox 360 is still yet to appear.

Should these reports be taken with a pinch of salt? What does Xbox 360's growth mean for Wii U? Tell us what you think.

[source mcvuk.com]