For those of you considering putting off that Xbox 360 purchase in order to wait for a next gen Xbox release, Microsoft is warning not to hold your breath. In fact, word is that Microsoft will be continuing to market and focus on the existing Xbox 360 gaming console product for quite some time.

In fact, many are speculating that likely due to the tough world-wide economic difficulties, the duration of gaming consoles in general will be longer, as users will be less likely to shell out more cash for next-gen consoles. Also, the slow development of future consoles will help to keep the development budgets of gaming company’s in check, as we continue to wade in uncertain economic waters.

How did console sales fair in a mostly tough year for manufacturers and retailers? Well, Xbox estimates are at 3.3 million consoles sold during the first 11 months of 2008, while the more expensive PS3 managed just 2.8 million sales. Of course, the ever-popular Wii continued to sell out, enjoying a whopping eight-million sales in the same timeframe.