Over 30m Xbox 360s sold

Microsoft announced on Thursday that is has sold more than 30 million Xbox 360 game consoles worldwide to date and has over 20 million active members on its Xbox Live network. At the same time, sales to date in 2009 have grown by 28 percent compared to the same time period in 2008, which is the highest compared to any other gaming console on the market, the company claims.

Microsoft simultaneously teased that it should have major news regarding its Xbox Live community at a press event on June 1st. Whether this refers to the Zune HD and its likely integration with the soon-to-be rebranded Xbox Video Marketplace isn't mentioned.

"Our news at E3 next week will underscore our commitment to bringing blockbuster entertainment experiences to everyone and to growing the Xbox entertainment brand globally," Interactive Entertainment senior VP Don Mattrick said, offering few clues.

The Xbox 360 is currently the second-strongest console in North America for sales but has regularly been eclipsed by Nintendo's Wii, which leads in terms of sheer numbers. Microsoft also struggles in Japan, where a preference for both locally-designed consoles and familiar RPGs favors the PS3 over the American-made Xbox.

By Electronista Staff