Xbox 360 'first to boast 1,000 game library'

Microsoft has announced its next-generation Xbox 360 games console will be the first new system to boast a 1,000 games library by summer.

The news, seen as a welcome announcement by the firm as it strives to make its console family-friendly, takes into account both boxed titles and those appearing on Xbox Live.

"We’ll have north of 1,000 games on 360 by the summer, across Live and boxed product," VP of Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Europe Chris Lewis told MCV.

Lewis also added that the Xbox Live service will be a major factor in Microsoft's attempts to make the Xbox 360 a family machine.

“The number of people that have signed up to the Live service so far is testament to the fact that there are a broad spectrum of consumers enjoying the service,” Lewis said.

“That can only grow as we expand the likes of Live Arcade and Live Video Store. We’re listening hard to what casual consumers want as you see us release more and more content that appeals to a broad audience.”