Though unable to see off the mighty Metal Gear Solid 2 for PlayStation 2, Microsoft has clinched the number two slot with the excellent FPS Halo. Also in the top 40 are Project Gotham Racing, Wreckless, Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee, Rallisport Challenge, Amped, Mad Dash Racing, Jet Set Radio Future, Dead or Alive 3 and Max Payne.

Microsoft spokesman Nick Grange said, “We are really pleased with the chart positioning. To have this level of chart presence at launch for a console is unprecedented." And he’s right, this is the best-performing home system at launch, as far as chart success goes, in European history.

As soon as the numbers have been crunched and Microsoft announce their sales figures, we shall let you know.