The United Kingdom recorded record-breaking broadband usage on Tuesday, which happens to be the same day the Xbox Series X/S released. It could be seen as a coincidence, but a report is showing that the spike in internet usage is thanks to the launch of the Xbox Series X/S.
The BBC has reported that "broadband traffic peaked at 18 terabits per second," and that specifically, this is thanks to the Xbox Series X and Call of Duty. BT, Virgin Media, TalkTalk, Vodafone, City Fibre, and Zen Internet all reported that the broadband was being used to download Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Destiny 2, and more. All of this on the day gamers were able to boot up their next-gen Xbox Series X/S.
The perfect storm may have taken place for this broadband traffic in the UK. England is currently in the middle of a nation-wide lockdown, which means everyone is stuck at home. Being quarantined means that people aren't able to go to the pub, get a haircut, or out to eat. So using the internet at home for entertainment makes sense. Meanwhile, with the new generation kicking off with the launch of the Xbox Series S/X, and now the PS5 release as well, internet usage is going to be high.
The Xbox Series X/S broke records on the day it launched, even outside of this broadband spike in the UK. The best console launch in Microsoft's history belongs to the Series X/S. In the first 24 hours, the console sold more than ever, in more countries than ever, than previous consoles during the same period. The United Kingdom seems to be one of those regions that jumped on the opportunity to enjoy the next generation of Xbox gaming.
When the PlayStation 5 launches in the UK, on November 19, the internet providers will again monitor the broadband usage. Perhaps if the number breaks the record just set on the day the Xbox Series X/S launched, it will prove which console had the better UK launch. It won't be easy to top the 18 terabit amount, as that is equivalent to streaming 1,510 hours of high definition video per second.
The Xbox Series X is an exciting new console, as thus far it seems to have delivered in areas of innovation, PC-like graphical ability, and more. Whenever a new console launches, it is always exciting. The more that the world goes digital, and the more that video games head towards that direction, the more broadband is going to be required.
Source: BBC