The US industry thrived in July – with total revenues jumping up 28 per cent to break the $1 billion mark.

The market hit $1.19 billion, with $446.9 million coming from the video games hardware category, up 17 per cent year-on-year.

Software sales had a month to remember, up 41 per cent to $591 million compared to July 2007, whilst accessories also enjoyed an increase – up 19 per cent to $149.1 million.

The total US games market to date has taken $9.47 billion – up 35 per cent on the same period last year, when it had generated $7.03 billion.