In what’s starting to feel like a broken record of a statement, PlayStation 5 continues to outsell every other console on the market. This time, it ended the year as the best-selling console in the United Kingdom despite seeing a 19% drop in sales compared to November as the Switch and Xbox Series S/X experienced a notable 39% and 6% increase in sales month-on-month, respectively. The overall console sales in the UK during this period were nearly 500,000 units, representing a 2% increase month-on-month and a 7% increase year-on-year.
As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, the 10 best-selling video games in the UK for December 2023 showcased a diverse range of genres and publishers. EA Sports FC 24 topped the sales chart, followed by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Hogwarts Legacy. Other notable mentions include Super Mario Bros Wonder, Grand Theft Auto V, Spider-Man 2, Mario Kart 8: Deluxe, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Nintendo Switch Sports. We should note that digital sales for Nintendo titles are not included in these figures, which could potentially affect their ranking.
Sales in the UK games market during December 2023 saw an overall increase in numbers, with a combined total of 6.9 million digital and physical games sold, a 2% rise compared to the same period in 2022. This rise in sales is impressive, considering the relative lack of major new releases during the months of November and December. The sales boost for EA Sports FC 24, Super Mario Bros Wonder, and Hogwarts Legacy can be attributed to the Christmas shopping season.
The sales performance of the PlayStation 5 in the UK reflects the brand’s strong market presence worldwide. At this rate, it’s comparable to that of other major consumer brands like Apple. This comparison extends beyond just product popularity; it also encompasses design aesthetics and brand loyalty among its consumers. Sony’s PlayStation brand has established a reputation for simplicity and consistency in its naming and design approach, contributing to its broad appeal across diverse demographics.
This effectiveness in branding is partly the reason why PlayStation, more so than Xbox and, perhaps even Nintendo, the world’s oldest gaming company, has become synonymous with the video game industry.
In terms of gaming accessories, December 2023 saw a significant increase in its sales, boosted by the holiday season. A total of 2.07 million gaming accessories were sold, marking a 63% increase compared to November and a 10% rise year-on-year. The white and midnight black variants of the PS5 DualSense controller were among the best-sellers. This surge in accessory sales aligns with the overall trend of strong console sales during this period.
Despite a notable decrease in sales compared to the previous month, the PS5 maintained its leading position amidst a growing number of competition, which might include the Switch’s successor later this year. The broader UK video game market also displayed resilience and growth, with significant sales of both games and gaming accessories, highlighting the enduring appeal of video gaming as a form of entertainment and recreation.
Speaking of video games, research has proven that playing can help treat depression.
