There’s no doubt about it now: the PS5 is absolutely on fire. We’re seeing a similar story right around the world – including in Japan, where the system is now trending ahead of both the PS4 and PS3 – but in the UK specifically, Sony’s new-gen system is posting some truly outrageous numbers. To illustrate, in February, the console enjoyed a 316 per cent swing year-over-year.
It’s worth noting that this time last year, the PS5 was at the peak of its supply issues, so that does help put the figures into perspective – but it’s still an unquestionably impressive return to form. It means that the system’s sales are up 180 per cent in the UK so far this year, as Sony looks to achieve its lofty sales targets for the current fiscal year.
To put things into perspective: the Xbox Series X|S is down 5.3 per cent year-over-year, and the Nintendo Switch has tailed off even more in its twilight years, resulting in a 29 per cent slide. While the PS5’s staggering increases are undoubtedly being boosted by its scarcity since launch, it’s a testament to the pent-up demand for the device that it’s finally beginning to post numbers like this.
Sony’s system is also being aided by its association with Hogwarts Legacy, of course, which was February’s biggest selling game in Britain by a mile – and is also poised to overtake Elden Ring’s lifetime sales in little more than three weeks. But it’s not the only PlayStation game posting incredible numbers: all The Last of Us games were boosted in February on the back of the HBO show’s success.
UK Software Best-Sellers in February 2023 (Physical and Digital)
- Hogwarts Legacy
- FIFA 23
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Grand Theft Auto 5
- NBA 2K23
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- The Last of Us: Part 2
- WWE 2K22
- Dead Space
- God of War Ragnarok
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe*
- GTA Online
- Undisputed
- The Last of Us Remastered
- Borderlands 3
- Powerwash Simulator
- Atomic Heart
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- The Last of Us: Part I
- Minecraft: Switch Edition*
* Digital sales data not included
[source gamesindustry.biz]
Comments 24
Personally, had I not bought one already, February would have been my must have PS5 month, for reasons that might be obvious by now. Not suggesting that contributed hugely, but sales of steering wheels and racing rigs are up a lot too!
Well, I bought one last month. Was waiting for a Slim or Pro but I couldn't wait any longer cause more and more games were coming out that I wanted to play on the next thing and not on PS4 anymore. The Callisto Protocol, Dead Space, Diablo IV, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Gran Turismo 7, Returnal,...
Helps that you walk into one of the 10 or so actual Games left (not Sports Direct or House of Fraiser) and they tend to have them behind the counter now. Plus Smyths permanently stock bundles.
@StrawberryWave current gen*
Maybe we will even get current-gen only games!
So now they can stop bothering with the PS4. Right?
Right???
I think it’s safe to say they sorted their stock issues!
3 TLOU games in the top 20 and people really wondere why Sony was remaking Part 1.
Lol thats why the suits sit at the top of a company and not some dopamine addicted video game nerds haha
@ManaOwls There is usually a trade in program once new model launched at least in PS4 era. Originally bought slim 500gb then swap with 1TB slim for minimal price with new FIFA and then swapped with PS4 pro for minimal price again. I sold PS 4 pro at a price comparable to or slight loss what I paid for these consoles once II got PS5.
To be fair Sony has marketed like crazy the last few weeks in addition to all this PS5 stock.
Once the Microsoft/Activision deal goes through then Microsoft will have a lot more games to advertise.
316% of zero is still zero! 😁
This is what having quality software, consistent stock and decent marketing brings you, only going to get better once FF16, spiderman 2 and TLOU factions come out this year.
@StrawberryWave couldn’t agree more! Sick to the back teeth of cross Gen gaming which has held these stunning new machine back!
@UltimateOtaku91 the same software that can be played on a PS4?
Nice to see genuine gamers now getting the opportunity to get one instead of being left frustrated on the PS4. With how the PS5 is now starting to stretch its legs properly worldwide, you'd have to imagine PS Plus subs will be on the up slightly too, whether it's gamers new to Plus or returning subbers. Although many will be coming from PS4 already having a sub anyways. Extra being a nice way to catch up on some PS5 games a little while still buying new games. PS5 on the up in sales this year also means you'd have to expect that the rumoured PS Showcase later this year is a certainty at this point, give those existing and the many new PS5 owners something to look forward to, long overdue anyways
Glad I waited a year before buying my PS5. I feel like there’s been a steady stream of games for me to play since I jumped onboard (and it’s only going to get better from here on out). I’ll probably do this for every new gen going forward.
Phil Spencer cries at these numbers.
Quality > Quantity
It's telling that the last of us remastered is doing better than part 1. A masterpiece doesn't need a fresh coat of paint to get people to buy it, especially if it's going to be way more expensive because of it.
I'll bite when an exclusive I want comes out, looks like that may be the next Silent Hill range!
It's not surprising really. Sony rules IMO. They have the best of everything. Why in gods name would you buy any other console?
@rumple1980 Xbox because it's much cheaper thanks to gamepass and switch because of portability and certain exclusives.
I'll buy one at some point - still waiting for a must have next-gen game and possibly the less fugly redesign. In the meantime, the SSD Pro is still going rather well!
That's cool but when you factor in this is year-on-year and last year they were severely supply constrained it's hard to get a sense where it actually levels out. Hence I don't think it means AS much all things considered.
Also bear in mind a lot of these peaks and troughs are around, or shortly after software/hardware launches so GOW:R, Hogwarts, PSVR2 etc. are all going to give PS5 a boost. Will be interesting to see what it does over the next 7-8 months when there aren't as many banger first party or next gen exclusives, FFXVI is the only one that pops off the top of my head until, hopefully, Spider-man 2.
Well it makes sense, they finally made them available in stores.
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