No matter the console you own, it’s natural to be curious about how the competition is faring. The console wars between PlayStation and Xbox aren’t what they used to be: In fact, they’ve completely transformed. Xbox has recently been focusing entirely on live service, while PlayStation has incorporated the PC into its exclusive strategy. So, in light of all this, which console sells more: PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S?
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PlayStation 5 Sells More Than Xbox Series X|S
You might be familiar with VGChartz.com, a website that routinely publishes reports on video game and console sales figures. One of their most recent reports compares the sales of the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The report is quite detailed – you can read it in full via the link above. However, we’ll share the most significant information here regarding which console has sold more units.
According to the report, PlayStation 5 holds a commanding lead in total global sales. To date, the PS5 has sold over 15 million more units than the Xbox Series X|S combined. The primary reason for this is the resolution of the chip shortage that plagued earlier years, allowing for more consistent and larger-scale production of the PS5, and therefore, more purchases by players.
Another key statistic is noteworthy: Over the past 12 months, PlayStation 5 has outsold the combined sales of the Series X and Series S by over 8 million units. This suggests that Xbox’s strategy of releasing two distinct consoles hasn’t given them a lead in terms of sales figures.
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Total Sales of PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
Looking at the total sales figures of the two consoles, both of which were launched in different months of 2020, PlayStation 5 has sold a total of 35,942,643 units worldwide, while Xbox Series X|S has sold 21,351,543 units.
Although the PS5 appears to be significantly outselling its competitor, there’s another intriguing statistic. PlayStation 5 has sold fewer units in the same timeframe as its predecessor, the PS4. On the other hand, Xbox Series X|S has outsold the Xbox One. This comparison suggests that the PS5 holds a considerable advantage for the future.
The answer to the question “Which console sells more” doesn’t seem likely to change in the near future. The primary reason for this is PlayStation’s strong lineup of exclusive games. As you may know, all Xbox exclusive games will now also be released on PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best-Selling Game Console of All Time?
Best-selling video game console of all time remains the PlayStation 2, and it doesn’t seem like it will be dethroned any time soon. The second place also belongs to a classic console, the Nintendo DS. While the PS3 and PS4 are impressive consoles, they rank ninth and fourth, respectively. The PlayStation 5, while trailing for now, has plenty of time to catch up. As for Xbox, its best-selling model is the Xbox 360, which ranks tenth.
Will Nintendo Switch Become the Top Selling Console?
Nintendo Switch has been gradually losing its chance to become the best-selling console for two reasons. First, there’s anticipation for the Switch 2, which is likely to be released between 2024-2025. As the focus shifts to the new iteration, sales of the current Switch model will likely decrease. The second reason is the significant 45 million unit gap between the PlayStation 2 and the Switch. This is not a small margin. The Switch would need to sell at least another 40 million units to surpass the Nintendo DS.
Which One Is the Best Console Ever?
Two consoles that are often regarded as the best ever are the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation 2. These two consoles are widely accepted as the best, largely sidestepping fanbase controversy. No modern console has managed to match the extensive catalog of games that the PS2 offered. Nintendo 64 was a game-changing console that set new standards for the industry. Plus, it’s worth noting that it gifted us with one of the greatest games of all time, Ocarina of Time.
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