Initial numbers for sale quantities of Halo 3 are coming in from a number of sources. The Xbox 360 exclusive title is said to have sold through 1.8 million copies during the first 8 hours of release. This quantity breaks down to about 1.5 million units sold through pre-orders, and additional 300,000 copies sold at impulse (without pre-order).
It is estimated (assuming this trend continues) that a total of 950,000 fresh units will be sold within the first 24 hours, bringing the grand total to 2.45 million units (950,000 + 1,500,000). Microsoft has released the game in three SKUs ranging in price from 59.99 to 129.99. It is estimated that the average sale price of the title is currently at about 78 USD. Thus, Microsoft has already made an estimated 140.4 million dollars (1.8 million x 78.00 USD). Microsoft is thus expected to cash in about 191.1 million dollars today (2.45 x 78.00 USD).
Congratulations are in order as this will place Halo 3 at the top of entertainment’s highest day one sales list.