Xbox Kinect sets new sales record

Microsoft Xbox says it has sold 2.5 million Kinect sensors for its consoles.

The hands-free controller system went on sale less than a month ago and is likely to be a big seller in the run up to Christmas.

Bosses at the games company say they're on course to reach their target of five million sold by the end of the year.

But it's facing a big challenge from rival Sony PlayStation and its new Move controller.

Both formats look set to dominate the market over the next few weeks with Nintendo's new 3DS handheld console not due out until the New Year.

The Kinect system is seen by many as Xbox trying to capture a new section of the gaming market.

The add-on plugs into the Xbox 360 and uses a motion sensor, camera and microphone so people can play games without a controller, instead using their body movement and voice.

While the console has a solid base of traditional gamers bosses realise the potential of more family orientated gaming.

First highlighted by the launch of the Wii, it showed just how much revenue could be generated if everyone in the family gets playing games.

It's something Xbox will be hoping to tap into now that Kinect is on sale in more than 60,000 shops in 38 countries around the world.

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