Report: 55% of 360 users download games

55 per cent of all Xbox 360 users bought at least one downloadable game last year, up from 43 per cent in 2009, according to new research.

As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, data compiled by market research firm EEDAR claims that compares with 50 per cent of PlayStation 3 users (up from 42 per cent in 2009) and 43 per cent of Wii users (up from 37 per cent).

The report also stated that the average price of a downloadable game on the three consoles was $10, with an average profit of $7. On a relative basis, that's more profitable than a full boxed title, which sell for an average of $48 with a $22 gross profit.

That said, the price of a downloadable game seems to be creeping up. The average Xbox Live Arcade title cost just under $8 in 2006 but that has risen to $11 in 2010 - the highest of all three consoles.

According to EEDAR predictions, sales of downloads will increase by 35 per cent in 2011, and represent 26 per cent of all console software sales by 2014.