Report Puts PlayStation 3 Ahead of Xbox 360 in Global Shipments

Knock out

by Sammy Barker Thu 10th Jan 2013

It’s been a long time coming, but it looks like the PlayStation 3 has finally overtaken the Xbox 360 in global shipments. A new report by the International Data Corporation – spotted by GamesIndustry.biz – estimates that PS3 figures reached 77 million units this past December, a tally greater than the Xbox 360’s still impressive 76 million units. That’s despite Sony’s system launching a year later than Microsoft’s machine.

If accurate, the PS3 will almost certainly go on to become the second best selling console of the generation, behind the Nintendo Wii. Sony revealed that it had sold 70.2 million units globally as of 30th September, but the budget priced 12GB system has proved particularly popular all over Europe this Christmas. Furthermore, the platform enjoyed a strong Black Friday period in North America.

While the proposed victory doesn’t mean much in the general scheme of things, it puts the PlayStation brand in a good position heading into the next generation. Sony’s dominance in European and Asian territories has really pushed it forward in recent years – it now needs to focus on winning back the North American and UK markets, too.

[source idc.com, via gamesindustry.biz]

As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.

1
Scrible
Thu 10th Jan 2013

A year later and don't forget another year of slow sales due to too high price

2
get2sammyb
Thu 10th Jan 2013

@Cricket1 The thing that's amazing about the PlayStation 3 is that it's still not at a mass market price globally. I'd argue that the 12GB has finally reached it in Europe (you can pick up a system less than £150 these days), but in the US is still costs $250.

I guess what I'm saying is, there's still plenty of room for them to boost sales all over again.

3
ShogunRok
Thu 10th Jan 2013

I think we can see Sony's commitment to the 'hardcore' gamer paying off here. It looks like slow and steady wins the race.

4
get2sammyb
Thu 10th Jan 2013

@ShogunRok I think it's that, but I also think it just shows how strong Sony is in regions that people don't really consider. The consensus across English speaking territories is that Xbox is on top — and it is in the UK and North America. But the world is much, much bigger than that.

5
ShogunRok
Thu 10th Jan 2013

@get2sammyb That's undeniably true as well. The western media has always ignored non-english speaking regions to a large extent - and that goes for all forms of entertainment. It's a singular mindset that's annoying to see.

6
MorriganIsHot
Thu 10th Jan 2013

Doesn't matter, the Wii beat both of them and have already won. It might happened again with the Wii U but I honestly could careless about sales. The Wii didn't entertain me enough unlike the PS3 this gen.

7
hYdeks
Thu 10th Jan 2013

@MorriganFan completely agree with you, I loved both Nintendo and Sony pretty equal, but the Wii just didn't entertain me nearly as much as my PS3, or even 360 Happy PS3 is selling better now, though.

8
rjejr
Thu 10th Jan 2013

Funny, I was thinking today about how the PS3 will continue to grow - Sly Cooper, Tomb Raider, Last of US, God of War Ascension - while the Wii U boxes sit on store shelves. I'm guessing $199 PS3 before years end, and someday, just maybe, the PS3 will catch the Wii or the PS2.

9
RobbEJay
Thu 10th Jan 2013

I assume the price difference is because SOA doesn't think the price drop isn't necessary yet or too soon, the Xbox 360 is still in the $200 range as well and the last price drop for the PS3 over here was after the PSN outage.

Its funny cause I bought mine about a week before while it was still $299 then after awhile the stores started having sales that brought the price down to the new price right before it actually dropped. Didn't make any difference in the end it was still worth it, and the console is still a great value compared to the competition despite this gen being long in the tooth.

10
JavierYHL
Thu 10th Jan 2013

hope ps3 done well sony need the money...

11
NathanUC
Fri 11th Jan 2013

I was doing some audio/visual tests the other day and pulled out my old 360. I couldn't believe how much 'worse' it sounded, looked, and felt (mainly referring to the OS). Everything was just so limited. It boggles my mind that most of the US still considers it better than the PS3. In terms of audio quality, the PS3 still tops even the Wii U!