After its well-documented slow and troubled start in Japan, the increasing momentum of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 has seen the console break the one million unit sales barrier in the region.

Kotaku reports that new figures from Famitsu show that since its release on December 10th 2005 Microsoft’s console has as of March 29th sold 1,001,191 units. 360 enjoyed a strong resurgence in 2008 following the release of a number of key titles including Lost Odyssey, Last Remnant and Infinite Undiscovery.

It was also helped by the growing popularity of key western franchises such as Grand Theft Auto in Japan.

The 360’s JRPG catalogue is strong, with the likes of Phantasy Star Universe and Blue Dragon. The machine was also boosted by news last year that Final Fantasy XIII would also be heading the 360.

By comparison, Famitsu adds that PS3 has sold 3,008,395 units since its release on November 11th 2006.