According to data analysis firm Ampere (as per Games Industry), total PlayStation 5 sales could almost double by the end of March 2021. Right now, the current-gen console is around the 4 million mark (that's sold through to consumers, not retailers), but thanks to supply shortages and the various knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the PS5 has been unable to surpass the records set by its predecessor, the PS4 (although it is on par).
However, Sony's system is still outperforming the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, which are reportedly lagging just behind the numbers posted by Xbox One (2.9 million) within the same launch period. Microsoft is also having to deal with some severe supply constraints, of course, but the data suggests that the PS5 could be pulling away by some distance if not for the unprecedented circumstances that surround it.
It's been an undeniably strange start to the new console generation, but with the PS5 clearly in high demand, we don't think that Sony will be too worried about its current position. Once things get back to relative normality — hopefully sooner rather than later — it'll be interesting to see how sales take shape.
[source gamesindustry.biz]
Comments 42
Cool, now that ppl have one, they can LET ME GET A FREAKING PS5
How about dealing with the scalping problem?
Cool
Can I be allowed to turn that 8 million to 8,000,000,001 by any chance
EDIT: Yes I'm aware. I added 3 too many zeroes lmao
This does not surprise me at all
All these sales and still I'm here without a new Fable or Ape Escape
Talking about "units sold" is pretty meaningless at this point to be honest, all it really means is "units released for sale". Get supply up to a point where everyone who wants one can get one, and then sales figures would actually mean something.
Interesting that the article mentions that sales are at 4 million sold to consumers, rather than bought up by retailers though- because I'm assuming that scalpers, much as they like to think they're a legitimate business, fall under the "consumer" category. I also assume that Sony don't have a magic PS5 machine that's going to produce the same number of PS5s that have sold since launch, in the space of a month and a half, what with the general chip shortages at the minute, so does this mean that there are millions of consoles sat with retailers gathering dust?
Those poor XbSX owners forced to buy one because of PS5 shortages. How has this been allowed to happen?! Those poor people. It's like asking to meet a Baldwin and finding out you'll have to settle for Stephen instead of Alec.
/due to recent staff sense of humour failures i must declare this is a joke.
I hope the situations get better soon, I think by the middle of the year most people that really try can buy ps5 and in the end of the year most people can buy it normally.
It's amazing how just because people can't get hold of a PS5 that they automatically think it's scalpers. Scalpers only make about 10% of the total PS5s sold, it's just a fact that the console is in very high demand.
Great news and a bit surprising in the same as mentioned above getting a Series X seems pretty easy here (UK) but the PS5 has been difficult for most.
I am lucky and grateful that I got one day 1 but appreciate I am part of the lucky few!
@AdamNovice Yeah it is a problem but it isn't THE problem. The problem is actually the antiquated and confusing feeding frenzy releases and restocks. Just switch to a "backordered" style sales mechanism and have people sign up. There ya go. No more crazy releases, no more griping.
No surprise there.i been saying for months that ps5 was gonna easily outsold the x box 📺 tv series x .and its a al capone saint Valentine's day masacre sony is laying the rock smackdown on x box.easy victory word up son
8 million? no way..with just less than 200.000 units sold weekly the numbers aren't possible..
@Juvenlast Was going to add that, yes your right retail sites should be doing a waiting list scheme.
@AdamNovice what's the source for your 10% statistic?
Scalpers are a real and persistent problem and will remain opportunist scum, taking advantage of the situation unless something changes.
I'm all for a pre-order system, that gives retailers the opportunity to vet buyers.
@danlk1ng yeah if it took 3 months to hit 4 million, I'm thinking 8mil by the end of March sounds a little suspect. One has to consider the amount they were able to manufacture in the lead up to Nov launch to achieve the 4 million mark in the first place.
It won't be for lack of demand, but I really don't see them hitting that goal.
@AdamNovice if people want to scapegoat scalpers, I'm not sure what the problem is. Like, what's the downside really?
@TheFrenchiestFry it’s popular but I don’t think it’s gonna sell 8 billion!
Just got an order confirmed a few days ago! I am eagerly awaiting the shipment 😰🥳
Good luck all with your PS5 orders.
I got lucky on release night in the UK.
As for series x, if want game-pass and lots of free old games then it’s ok.
But PS5 is where it is at. Just look at the games and the dual sense.
I think everyone is more interested in how many Sony can ship since the consoles will be sold out straightaway anyway.
If they could ship 10 million they would sell 10 million. Simple as that.
Would be great if Game didn't decide to suddenly cancel a genuine order 2 hours after it was placed! Fuming ain't the word. Especially after waiting 2 hours in the queue.
Series x/s were the best selling consoles in January so it's going pretty well for MS in fairness
Both are constrained by supply but its no secret Microsoft really aren't in a race with Sony for console sales as they push their games on PC and streaming platforms. I had a PS5 but the content just isn't there yet so I'm more than happy to wait before jumping back on board
Time for Micro$oft to spend 100 Billion on game companies i guess
PS5 would be outselling Xbox regardless, but when both are selling out everything they make, it's a bit pointless to talk about sales numbers. This really means Sony are making more consoles than Microsoft for now.
@Woogy https://www.ign.com/articles/10-15-of-all-us-ps5s-estimated-to-have-been-resold
@zupertramp No downside it is just not the full picture. People are up in arms - and well they should be, I mean I hate scalpers and bots too - but really the unprecedented demand is the bigger story here.
@zupertramp I'm not saying they shouldn't scapegoat but some act like the majority of PS5s go to scalpers when that isn't the case.
I think if there was unlimited supply of both console then world wide right now PS5 would be at an easy 2:1 ratio win.
PS5 had a better launch line up and look at the games coming through and now with R&C in June.
Also the duel sense especially Astro Bots 🤖 is simply so impressive compared to the series x controller.
@AdamNovice @Juvenlast
I hear you both. I just don't see scalpers as a group that is deserving of even the most half hearted defense.
Also 10-15% of 4+ million is kind of a lot. Way too many some would argue.
@TheFrenchiestFry You must be loaded if you're going to buy that many
@AdamNovice @zupertramp We are all on the same side here. None of us like scalpers or bots. Again - I still don't have a PS5. So, yeah... I hatem. But they aren't doing the level of damage that some are implying. Out of 4 million units, 400,000-500,000 have been scalped. You are right that is egregious... But, if supply met demand (either by more supply or less demand) we wouldn't even have bots and scalpers to worry about.
TL:DR - Scalpers suck but they are only around because the problem is bigger than them.
This article feels less like reporting news and more like weird fanboy stanning.
I'm sure I read on your sister site the other day that the xbox was outselling the ps5 in the first 3 months I dunno.
@Juvenlast part of the problem is that Sony increases demand by selling these consoles at a loss, so scalpers can come in and capture the difference between market price and Sony’s price. I’m not advocating for higher prices, but it would alleviate scalping issue and people getting as frustrated over shortages.
I would love a PS5 but the PS4 is fricking awesome for my needs as is.
I'm honestly surprised Xbox has sold that many considering it is basically a backwards compatible machine with no exclusives.
7999999 of those bought by scalpers
at this rate of production i'm thinking upgrading to a ps4 pro and wait the inevitable 1.5-2 years long to get a ps5..change my mind.
If people had a PS4 then the PS5 is an obvious upgrade to keep old games, friends, etc.
If people had an XBox then the Series X/S is an obvious upgrade to keep old games, friends, etc.
The PS4 outsold the XBox by something between 3:1 and 4:1 so of course the PS5 should sell more.
@TheFrenchiestFry I'm not sure they would manufacture more PS5 than people on the planet.
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