The Xbox division at Microsoft has taken a long, hard look at 2008 and produced some data showing how important the year was to the gaming console produced by the software giant. There are more than 28 million Xbox 360 gaming consoles in use in the world at the moment, which means that the device has an 8 million lead over the Sony built PlayStation 3. Furthermore, during 2008, the console was repositioned to better meet the needs of users, with TV shows and movies added via the New Xbox Experience.

Microsoft says that the console is “nearly doubling market share” in Europe and in Japan, where it has not traditionally experienced big sales, while it continues to be on top of the PlayStation 3 on the important North American market.

Don Mattrick, who is the senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, stated that “For Xbox, 2008 will be remembered around the world as a pivotal growth year at retail and online, even in the face of tough economic conditions,” adding that “we’ve only provided a glimpse into the new world of interactive entertainment that we’re imagining. The best of Xbox 360 is yet to come.”

The biggest things to happen to the Microsoft made Xbox 360 in 2008 were the price drop, bringing the Arcade version of the console, not featuring a hard drive, to 199 dollars, below the selling price of the Nintendo Wii, and the introduction of the New Xbox Experience, an interface re-design that also delivered Netflix support to the gaming device and a new focus on social and family oriented experiences.

The Microsoft made console has also benefited from the launch of at least three huge videogames - Grand Theft Auto IV, from Take Two and Rockstar, Fable II from Lionhead, and Gears of War 2 from Epic Games.

Still, Microsoft is probably wondering why the Nintendo Wii is continuing to outsell the Xbox 360 and will continue to try and match the success of the motion tracking capable home console in 2009. This means that we'll finally probably see that motion tracking Xbox 360 controller that has been rumored for so long.