360 sets Aussie sales record

Last week Australia became the latest country to join the next-gen party when the Xbox 360 made its regional debut on March 23. Like its European and American launches, the Xbox 360 was gobbled up by eager gamers and coasted to a new sales record for the fastest-selling console in the country.

According to reports from Australia, the Xbox 360 sold 30,000 units in its first four days on the market. That number beats the previous record held by Sony's PSP, which tallied 27,000 units out the door for its launch.

The 360 is being sold in two SKUs down under, with the Core package selling for $500 AUD ($353) and the Premium package selling for $649 AUD ($459). In the US, the systems sell for $299 and $399, respectively.

Though the late launch meant that Aussies wouldn't get into the next generation as soon as Americans, the extra time did give them plenty of launch titles to choose from. In fact, the Australian launch lineup looks an awful lot like what was originally supposed to be the US launch lineup, with Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, Dead or Alive 4, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion all available on day one.

The retail hiccups found in North America seem to be cured in Australia. No widespread shortages on the scale of America's have been reported, and shop owners are pleased with the results.

"We had some fairly high expectations, and it exceeded our expectations. We're more than happy," Paul English of retailer Harvey Norman told Australian IT.