Xbox 360 scores $6.7 billion in 2011 - NPD

Despite overall US retail sales sinking 8 percent in 2011, Microsoft's sales were growing. NPD data reveals that Microsoft's Xbox 360 was the best-selling console over the past 12 months, helping drive $6.7 billion in total sales for the tech giant during the year, up from $6.2 billion over the same period last year.

According to data from the NPD (as indicated by Microsoft in a new blog post), gamers spent $4.6 billion on Xbox 360 games and accessories in 2011, with another $2.1 billion recorded on consoles during the year.

In December alone, Microsoft sold 1.7 million Xbox 360s, helping the company earn a total of $1.5 billion from total combined hardware, software, and accessories sales, according to NPD figures.

To date, Microsoft has sold 66 million Xbox 360 consoles, as well as 18 million Kinect units worldwide. Additionally, the company has 40 million Xbox Live subscribers.