PS5 Sales Surpass PS4 by 7% in the US
Sony’s PlayStation 5 is on track to surpass the lifetime sales of its predecessor, the PlayStation 4, which sold an impressive 117 million units globally. Despite initial setbacks due to supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sony has now gained momentum, with PS5 sales in the United States surpassing PS4 sales by 7% when launch-aligned.
According to Mat Piscatella, Executive Director and video game industry analyst at Circana (formerly NPD Group), PlayStation 5 has now overtaken PlayStation 4’s pace in the US over its first 50 months. In comparison, Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S is trailing behind the Xbox One by a significant 18%.
“Through each console’s first 50 months in the US market (life to date ending December 2024 for both Xbox Series and PS5), PS5 lifetime unit sales are 7% ahead of PS4’s pace, while Xbox Series trails Xbox One by 18%,” Piscatella noted in his latest report.
A Rocky Start Turned Success for Sony
Sony faced supply shortages during the initial years of the PlayStation 5, leading to slower early adoption rates. However, with improved production and supply chain recovery, the gaming giant has managed to recoup lost sales. By August 2023, Sony reported that the PS5 had sold 61 million units worldwide, demonstrating strong market demand.
Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S has struggled in comparison. While the company does not officially disclose hardware sales figures, industry estimates suggest Xbox Series sales are roughly half of the PS5’s total. This discrepancy highlights Sony’s dominance in the console gaming market, particularly in the US, where its brand has remained a strong favorite among gamers.
Gaming Hardware Sales Decline Overall
Despite the PS5’s success, overall video game hardware sales have been in decline. Piscatella’s analysis suggests that the winding down of the Nintendo Switch’s lifecycle has contributed to this downturn. As the Switch nears the end of its market relevance, overall spending in the video game hardware sector has dropped significantly.
According to the latest figures:
- PS5 hardware sales fell by 18% in December 2023 compared to the previous year.
- Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch sales each declined by 38%.
- Annual spending on video game hardware in 2024 wrapped up 25% lower than in 2023, totaling $4.9 billion.
These numbers indicate a cooling period in the gaming hardware market, with consumers possibly waiting for next-generation consoles or focusing on digital game purchases and subscription services.
What’s Next for the Console Market?
With the PlayStation 5 continuing its upward trajectory, Sony seems poised to claim victory in the current console generation. However, Microsoft’s struggle to match previous Xbox One sales raises concerns about its long-term hardware strategy.
As gaming companies prepare for the future, industry observers are keenly watching Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo to see how they navigate changing consumer preferences. The introduction of mid-cycle console upgrades or next-generation hardware could be the next major move to revitalize sales and sustain industry momentum.
For now, PlayStation 5 remains the dominant force in the gaming landscape, with strong sales momentum and a growing library of exclusive titles keeping it ahead of the competition.
