Retail has hailed Microsoft’s mission to hit the mainstream after dropping its entry-level SKU to under £160 – and stores have seen sales rocket following the cut.

MCVUK.com revealed this week (via ChartTrack figures) that the console enjoyed a 36 per cent rise in sales after three days at its new price – which has seen the lower-spec Arcade machine sell for just £159.99.

“The recent Xbox 360 price drop has certainly brought about an immediate increase in sales within the first weekend,” Gamestation head of product Anna Downing told MCV. “The market has been very active in promoting the new pricing, which has prompted an immediate reaction from consumers.

“There’s a great range of new titles available immediately with Rainbow Six Vegas 2 and Sega Superstar Tennis catering for both ends of the market, and of course with the additional footfall coming from the Easter period and subsequent school holidays, there’s every reason for strong sales to continue over the coming weeks”.

Amazon’s Graham Chambers was also pleased with the cut, stressing that the new price point has re-invigorated the market for 360. “We have seen a real lift in sales since the price drop last week,” he said.

“Microsoft’s price change across all three of its SKUs has injected fresh impetus into what was an already strong Xbox 360 market.”

Microsoft UK’s head of gaming and entertainment Stephen McGill added that this was just the beginning for 360, thanks to a certain Rockstar title: “We’re extremely pleased with the uptake of 360 at our new price point, and look forward to a very exciting period as we ramp up to the launch of GTA IV,” he told MCV.