Microsoft hopes for longer Xbox 360 shelf life

Microsoft has said that it hopes the shelf life for its Xbox 360 will be longer than five years — the lifespan traditionally associated with a home console.

The console manufacturer dropped support for the original Xbox once it had released its successor in late 2005 — only four years after the launch of the original machine.

Speaking at a BMO Capital Markets conference, Mindy Mount pointed to the success of Sony's PlayStation 2, a machine entering its eighth year on the market.

"Look at the PS2; they've gone long-time and seem to have pretty good legs on what they are doing," said the chief financial officer.

"It we were able to do that, as a CFO I think that's great, because every year you draw it out you increase profitability," reports Reuters.