Both Sony and Microsoft went all out in producing the next generation’s games consoles, and the sales numbers are impressive so far.
According to data researched by Trading Platforms UK, as of February 22, 2021, Sony had sold 5.21 million PlayStation 5 consoles globally since the release. With each console selling for about $499.99, it translates to a preliminary revenue of $2.6 billion. Elsewhere, since the release, about 3.51 million units of the Xbox Series X/S have been sold globally, bringing in a preliminary revenue of $1.75 billion.
In terms of geographical sales, PS5 has sold 2.47 million consoles in North America while Xbox Series X/S has 1.98 million. In Europe, 1.73 million PS5 consoles have been sold, while Xbox Series X/S stands at 1.05 million.
Sales reflect next-generation console features
The consoles lived up to the promise of next-generation machines with improved graphics and performance with exclusive game titles that can’t be found on other competing platforms. However, Sony appears to be winning when it comes to next-generation console sales.
Overall, the sales of two consoles indicate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the gaming sector. During the pandemic, most people spent more time indoors due to stay-at-home measures imposed worldwide. This left gaming as an option to pass time. Notably, both consoles were released when most parts in Europe and North America went into lockdown due to a second wave of the health crisis. It is not clear how the sales would have performed under normal circumstances.
North America leads in the number of sales since the consoles launched in the region first. For example, the PS5 was first released in North America, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. Coupled with outstanding pre-orders, the console was destined for impressive sales numbers in the region.
Supply constraints impacting sales
The sales could have been higher considering that most retailers resorted to selling the consoles online due to the pandemic that impacted production and supply. However, the demand for both consoles remains high, and consumers have struggled to find either console in stock, with supply continuing to be constrained.
For Sony, although it faced a series of delays in some regions, the company managed to circumvent all the pressure and achieve this sales milestone in its history. At this point, the two consoles’ overall sales will be defined by the supply factor that will play out across 2021. However, despite the supply constraints, the new consoles are expected to outperform their predecessors.
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