Microsoft claims 2-to-1 sales edge for GTA IV on Xbox 360

Microsoft says anecdotal evidence indicates its version of Grand Theft Auto IV is doing much better than Sony's, although Sony seems to dispute that claim.

So far, there are no hard numbers available, so Microsoft's claims cannot be verified. To its defense Sony is disputing the claims as inconsistent with its own reports, although it will not provide more data until further reports are received.

Either way, there also seems to be a boost in console sales as a result of the game's release on Tuesday. Both companies say console sales rose during the week, and data from NPD should provide more color in that department.

Microsoft said that while Xbox 360 sales should be up during the month of April, a bigger gain is likely to occur in May. Another assist to the Xbox 360 is its exclusive content which will not be available on the PS3 until this fall.

About one million GTA gamers played over Xbox Live during the first 24 hours, with 2 million achievements unlocked and 1.5 cross-game invites. Data on usage among PS3 users was not available.

Across both consoles, about nine million copies of the game are expected to be sold, with the game likely eclipsing Halo 3 as one of the fastest selling games in history.

Several retailers report either low stocks or being sold out altogether. On Amazon.com, the Xbox 360 version was out of stock for a period of time on Thursday, although it appears to be back in stock on Friday.