Sales of computer game consoles and other gaming hardware in the Netherlands have jumped dramatically in 2008, the umbrella organisation for the Dutch entertainment industry for audio, video and interactive products NVPI said on Monday.

Releasing its 6-month results, the NVPI said the sale of game consoles increased by 39 per cent in the first half of 2008, reaching a turnover of 115.2 million euros (164.4 million dollars).

Accompanying hardware sales increased by 62 per cent, amounting to a turnover of 118 million euros (168.4 million dollars).

Turnover for the entire industry increased 13 per cent and amounted to 514.1 million euros (733.8 million dollars).

But while the sale of downloadable music grew, total sales of music dropped dramatically.

The NVPI said this was due to the sharp increase in illegally distributed music. The organisation emphasized the need to take measures against illegal music distribution.