During every E3, or any public event for that matter, you can always expect some bragging and smack talk from your favorite videogame companies, and so far, E3 2008 has kept the tradition alive. While going through the usual corporate chest beating at Microsoft’s press conference, Don Mattrick, Senior Vice President of Interactive Entertainment, pointed out several of the 360’s accomplishments, including the its very precarious status as the industry’s leading console in terms of install base.

Mattrick also made sure to mention the sheer spending power that the Xbox loyal possess, citing that over $1 billion total has been splurged on Xbox Live services and goods. In addition to this, Mattrick made clear that when it comes to multiplatform titles, gamers are choosing their platform the most, with titles such as GTA4, Assassin’s Creed, and Call of Duty 4 selling the majority of copies on 360.

Apparently, success such as this has motivated Microsoft to remain confident that they will maintain their lead over the PS3, despite the once-ostracized console’s 20,000 unit victory over the 360 in last month’s NPD numbers. According to Mattrick’s magic 8-ball, the Xbox 360 will in fact sell more units globally than the PS3 for the entire year of 2008 and beyond, a very positive outlook concerning the PS3’s steadily growing momentum.

So will Microsoft really be able to keep the PS3 in its rearview mirror? Having Final Fantasy 13 on the 360 probably helps, but don’t count Sony out of the race just yet. We’ll make sure to let you know what they have to fire back at MS with during tomorrow’s Sony press conference.