Sony announced today that it has now sold over 50 million PS5 units since the console launched in November 2020. The news comes right after the launch of a new PS5 Slim model with a detachable disc drive and increased internal storage, though pricing remained the same.
In the press release, Sony said that the PS5 enjoyed strong momentum this year, in part due to a good lineup of exclusive games such as Marvel’s Spiderman 2. It also helps that Sony has now fully overcome the supply chain issues that made PS5 (and Xbox Series X|S consoles) hard to find in previous years. According to Sony, last month was actually the biggest November for PlayStation consoles sold through to consumers.
We’re grateful for all of our players who have joined the PS5 journey so far, and we’re thrilled that this is the first holiday season since launch that we have a full supply of PS5 consoles – so anyone who wants to get one can get one, said Jim Ryan, President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Speaking with the Financial Times, Eric Lempel, head of global business at Sony Interactive Entertainment also said that the PlayStation 5 is now well-positioned to sell more units than the PlayStation 4, which sold over 117 million units during its lifetime. I think we have the ability to get there, Lempel told the FT. Demand for the PS5 going into this year was huge . . . Momentum is strong now and it’s continuing.
According to data from Ampere Analysis, Sony sold 22.5 million PS5 consoles this year, a number that’s up 65% compared to last year. In comparison, Xbox Series X|S sales are down 15% to 7.6 million, while Nintendo Switch sales are also down 18% to 16.4 million. This is not a good look for Xbox, which is being outsold by the PS5 by almost 3:1 this year.
Microsoft hasn’t shared official Xbox sales figures for many years, but the company cares more about engagement and Game Pass subscriptions these days. However, it’s been almost 3 years since Microsoft announced that Game Pass had crossed 25 million subscribers.
The success of the PS5 can be attributed to multiple factors. Firstly, the strong lineup of exclusive games, including highly anticipated titles such as Marvel’s Spiderman 2, has driven significant interest and demand for the console. Additionally, Sony’s ability to overcome supply chain challenges and ensure a steady flow of stock has been critical in meeting consumer needs.
Sony’s President and CEO, Jim Ryan, expressed gratitude towards the players and excitement over the availability of the PS5 during this holiday season. The company is pleased that anyone who wants to purchase a PS5 can now do so without difficulty.
Eric Lempel, head of global business at Sony Interactive Entertainment, also emphasized the potential for the PS5 to surpass the sales of its predecessor, the PlayStation 4. With the strong demand and momentum, Lempel believes that achieving this milestone is within reach.
The latest data from Ampere Analysis indicates that Sony sold 22.5 million PS5 consoles this year, marking a notable 65% increase compared to last year. In contrast, Xbox Series X|S sales have seen a 15% decline, with 7.6 million units sold, and Nintendo Switch sales have dipped by 18% to 16.4 million units. Xbox faces the challenge of being outsold by the PS5 at a ratio of nearly 3:1.
While Microsoft has not disclosed official Xbox sales figures, the company has shifted its focus towards engagement and Game Pass subscriptions. With Microsoft’s last announcement of 25 million Game Pass subscribers dating back almost three years, it remains to be seen how the company will further drive user engagement and entice players.
The success of the PS5 reflects a combination of compelling software offerings, improved supply chain management, and increased market demand. Sony’s achievement of selling over 50 million units since launch demonstrates the ongoing enthusiasm among gamers for the next-generation console.
As the PlayStation 5 continues to captivate the market, Sony remains optimistic about its future prospects, aiming to surpass the remarkable sales figures set by the PlayStation 4. With an exciting lineup of games on the horizon and strengthened supply chains, the stage is set for the PS5’s continued success in the gaming industry.
