Since its launch in November 2005, Microsoft has sold more than 28 million Xbox 360 through the end of 2008, Microsoft joyfully said in a statement.
The company also has sold 8 million Xbox 360 units during the Christmas holiday shopping season, with Xbox 360 2008 Christmas sales doubling over the same time frame in 2007. Despite the struggling economy that has led to consumers spending less money and being more frugal, Microsoft still managed to have the best year of history for the Xbox.
GfK-ChartTrack indicates the Xbox 360 was the "fastest-growing" next-generation console in Europe throughout 2008, although U.S. sales figures haven't been released yet.
Microsoft had been plagued with Red Ring of Death issues that have now been resolved with newer models of the Xbox 360 released on the market.
After a price cut in September, Microsoft's sales numbers went up, with the Xbox 360 outselling the more powerful PlayStation 3 836,000 to 378,000 during the month of November, NPD Group research numbers report.
Microsoft hopes to have a successful 2009 as gamers continue to purchase Xbox 360 consoles due to an impressive game catalog, lower price tag, and the online community on Xbox Live. Netflix subscribers can also watch streaming content using their Xbox 360. The Redmond-based company announced Xbox Live now has 17 million subscribers, with more than $1 billion spent through the service since its introduction.
Even though Microsoft is unlikely to catch Nintendo's sales number with the Wii console, expect the company to continue to put a stronger focus on Xbox Live and streaming content.
