Microsoft and Sony have positioned the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 as next-gen gaming consoles with similar technical specs and selling price. The release dates of both of the consoles were also very close as the Xbox Series X released on 10th November 2020 and PlayStation 5 on 12th November 2020. So let’s find out which console has managed to win over fans by getting high sales for the platform.
Before we get into the numbers, it is important to keep in mind few important points. Given the current situation with scalpers stockpiling the consoles, the sales numbers don’t necessarily translate into demand from fans. The scalpers have made it very difficult for general public to purchase these consoles. In addition, as we are only 2 months into the console lifecycle with limited games available for the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, the early sales numbers don’t necessarily reflect the future trajectory. Check out our article on 7 reasons why Xbox Series X is better than PlayStation 5.
VGChartz has gathered the latest sales numbers for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox One X|S Worldwide. The data is up to 09Jan2021. The total game console sales numbers are not very unpredictable as the Sony has sold 4.8 M units of PS5 and Microsoft has sold 2.7 M units of Xbox Series X|S. During the same time period (9 weeks), Nintendo Switch sold 3.2 M units.
In comparison, during 2019, Nintendo Switch sold 19.3 M units (50.1%) compared to 14.2 M units of PS4 (37%) and 4.9 M units of Xbox One (12.9%). If we look at the total worldwide sales of game consoles, the Nintendo Switch has sold 77.4 M units, Sony PlayStation 4 has sold 114.9 M units and Microsoft Xbox One has sold 49.5 M units to date. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were released back in November 2013, while the Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017. Considering the late entry of the Nintendo Switch (4 years old), the sales numbers are quite remarkable as the switch already has 31% market share (up from 25% in 2019). In comparison, Xbox One has 20% (down from 23% in 2019) and Playstation 4 has massive 46% (down from 53%) market share over 8 years.
The best selling global video games are listed below as well. The Super Smash Bros. (2018) on Nintendo Switch continues to have strong sales numbers, which is partly responsible for growing market share of Nintendo Switch Console. Second place is taken by Red Dead Redemption 2 and third plate by Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII on the PS4 platform. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Spider-Man (PS4) also made the top five list. The popularity of PS4 in Asia and Europe definitely translates in the sales numbers of video games as three of the top five video games were on the PS4 platform. In comparison, both Red Dead Redemption 2 and Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII on the Xbox One platform took the last two spots on top ten list.
| Rank | Console | Game Title | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switch | Super Smash Bros. (2018) | 1103894 |
| 2 | PS4 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | 705407 |
| 3 | PS4 | Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII | 511667 |
| 4 | Switch | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 438400 |
| 5 | PS4 | Spider-Man (PS4) | 426691 |
| 6 | Switch | Super Mario Party | 422274 |
| 7 | PS4 | FIFA 19 | 373147 |
| 8 | Switch | Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! | 337851 |
| 9 | XOne | Red Dead Redemption 2 | 281247 |
| 10 | XOne | Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII | 250631 |
Source: VGChartz
I am officially a tech addict and enjoy providing my views on matters related to this industry. I am always interested in trying out new tech gadgets and I have owned multiple smartphones including the legendary HTC One, SGS2, Nexus 4, iPhone 4, 5S, 6S, XR, Note 9. You can ask me any tech related questions in the comment section or on twitter @hookedNav