Microsoft is suggesting that a recent internet survey shows that consoles (specifically; the Xbox 360) are ideally suited to the spending philosophy of UK shoppers.

The survey in question, conducted by international internet-based market research firm YouGov, sent out a questionnaire to 1,000 adult consumers online. In Microsoft’s press release, the company has cited key findings from the survey which suggest consoles will be a serious consideration for many families this Christmas.

Microsoft claims that the results show [verbatim]:

◦ Just under half (42 percent) will be looking for one gift that all the family can enjoy, rather than individual gifts.
◦ 72 percent are hunting for gifts that keep on giving throughout the year.
◦ 42 percent of people will be buying fewer gifts this year, so will be buying gits that are extra special.
◦ 49 percent of those surveyed want to find a gift that will bring the whole family together.

Such key findings did not state the nature of the questions. For example, it is not yet known if the 42% of interviewees that answered that they were looking for a gift that “all the family can enjoy” were asked so as opposed to individual gifts. Edge has contacted YouGov for a sample of the questionnaire as well as additional details.
 
“New research by Xbox reveals that amongst the doom and gloom of the economic downturn, a cut in spending means over a third more British families will be sitting down to enjoy Christmas Lunch together than at any other time in the noughties,” said the press release.
 
“One in three people surveyed anticipate spending the festive season at home to save money this year. This suggests that families may spend a large part of their holiday season in the living room, looking for ways to be entertained economically.  This year, the home looks set to be the destination for holiday entertainment,” it added, before concluding that “these trends show that providing both a broad experience and value to consumers with Xbox 360 is in line with consumer sentiment. To date, we have sold 7 million consoles in Europe and recently enjoyed our biggest sales week ever.  Our trend research shows that families are looking for gifts that keep on giving throughout the year.”