Sony has never sold more than 25 million units of any PlayStation console in a single fiscal year, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t trying to reach that number, and, if the current sales figures stand, the PlayStation 5 could very well end up being the first to do it.
Earlier this year, PS5 set a new sales record for the most number of units sold by any console in the first quarter of any year. Now, it’s looking to end it with a bang as well.
As per Ampere Analysis, via The Financial Times, Sony has sold 22.5 million units this year. In comparison, Xbox moved 7.6 million Series S and Series X consoles in the same timespan. This means that the PS5 outsold both consoles nearly three times over. This news comes on the heels of the PS5 recently crossing the milestone of 50 million units sold in three years.
Sony’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The PS5’s launch was significantly hampered by a global shortage of components, partly brought about by a pandemic. It led to a years-long out-of-stock issue that wasn’t really resolved until earlier this year. In spite of the circumstances, Sony’s management of its allocations has helped the PS5 keep up with the sales trajectory of its predecessor, the PlayStation 4. If it can keep things up, it should eclipse PS4’s lifetime sales of 117 million units.
With that said, Sony’s newfound confidence in achieving its lofty target is partly due to its record-breaking sales back in November, described as the biggest November in the console’s history. The numerous promotions ran by Sony around the globe saw PS5 leave its competitors, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series S/X, in the dust. Coupled with the increased availability of the PS5 and the subsequent launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the latter of which is traditionally associated with the PlayStation brand, it’s no wonder then that the PS5 continues to enjoy a banner year.
While that was last month, the next quarter figures to be just as financially fruitful for PlayStation 5. The Last of Us Part 2: Remastered, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Rise of the Ronin, are all launching before the current fiscal year ends.
Comparatively, Xbox sales have experienced a decline, with Xbox Series X/S sales dropping by about 15% to 7.6 million units this year. Microsoft, however, emphasizes a different approach, focusing on its Game Pass subscription service, which includes PC, mobile, and cloud gaming. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, bringing franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft under its umbrella, is set to strengthen its position in the gaming industry.
Nintendo’s aging Switch console also saw a decline in sales by 18% to 16.4 million units. However, Nintendo’s next-gen console, expected to launch next year, might change this once it comes out.
With the PS5 now in full supply and a strong lineup of games driving its popularity, Sony is well-positioned to continue its success in the gaming console market.
Ultimately, PS5’s sales achievement is a much-needed bright spot in what has been a tumultuous few days. Insomniac Games is dealing with a security breach that saw several of its upcoming games, including a standalone game starring Venom and the release window for Marvel’s Wolverine, leaked online. Several studios and individual developers have offered their sympathies and support for the first-party Sony studio in these trying times. The industry-leading console manufacturer has yet to address the incident publicly.
