The month of November saw the launch of the Xbox Series X/S and the PlayStation 5, ushering in a new console generation for gamers. The launch for both consoles was deemed a success for both companies, particularly Sony, which has enjoyed its biggest console launch ever thanks to the PS5. Despite celebrating their console launches, both Sony and Microsoft have been under ongoing scrutiny regarding how the consoles are being handled.
Throughout December and beyond, there has been a massive shortage of PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles in-part due to scalpers who were able to mass purchase and resell the consoles for huge amounts. The limited supply versus the demand of the new consoles, the effects of COVID-19, and scalpers impacted this console generation's total sales in comparison to previous console generations.
While sales numbers for the Xbox Series X/S wasn't readily available at the time, according to marketing analyst firm Ampere Analysis, the Xbox Series X/S has sold 2.8 million units since November's launch. In comparison to its previous generation, the Xbox One had sold 2.9 million units by this point. Sony's numbers are more interesting, outselling the Series X/S with 4.2 million units since launch.
Relating to the number of units sold to consumers, this number matches its performance with the previous generation's PS4 following its 2013 launch. However, this can be considered a loss as the PS4 was able to push more units without the support of an immediate Japanese launch. The PS5 is barely keeping up in sales despite a simultaneous worldwide launch in comparison. While Sony had its most successful console launch ever, it identifies its sales as "sales to retail or shipments" sold. This would explain why Sony reported its numbers as 4.5 million.
Several variables including supply chain constraints amid the ongoing pandemic contributed to the underperforming sales of the next-generation consoles. While Microsoft remains optimistic that its console shortage will resolve throughout 2021, the effects of the constraints affect Sony as well. Were it not for these variables, it was projected that the PS5 would have sold more than five million units by this time, according to Ampere. That said, the PS5 could still sell a potential upwards of eight million units by the end of March despite its shortcomings.
Nintendo, in comparison to Sony and Microsoft, continues to enjoy success following its increased sales during the beginning of the pandemic. In the past year, the Switch sold 26.3 million units, beating out its best sales year of 24.5 million during the Wii era. With the Switch being on par to outsell the Wii in total units, Nintendo's best-selling home console of all time, 2021 seems to be a potential gain for Nintendo as Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S and Sony's PS5 aim to recover.
Source: gameindustry.biz