According to new figures released by global market research company NDP, Xbox One was the number one selling console in the US last December, selling a near million units. Microsoft managed to get a massive 908 000 gaming consoles to gamers’ living rooms while surprisingly, the Xbox 360 continued to see strong momentum with 643,000 sold.
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The fact that Microsoft managed to beat Sony and other hardware competitors on both next-gen and last-gen console fronts during the year’s busiest shopping season, is a big win for Xbox. These successful sales lead to a 46% hardware market share in the US — a massive 10% increase since December 2012.
“We’re grateful for the excitement and support of our fans — many purchasing their next Xbox console and many joining the Xbox family for the first time,” said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of marketing, strategy and business for Xbox. “Our journey is just starting, with more innovation, games and entertainment coming in 2014 and far beyond.”
Microsoft’s biggest competitor on the gaming front, Sony, notes that PS4 sales have lagged behind mostly due to logistical limitations. As reported by CVG, Sony’s senior director of corporate communications, Dan Race says, “We sold every PS4 available at retail in the US and were out of stock in December due to overwhelming consumer demand.”
The Xbox One has been quite controversial with its launch being limited to 13 regions. The PS4 on the other hand, has a more worldwide focus. Race explains:
“With more than 4.2-million PS4 systems sold worldwide, it’s clear that the PS4’s gaming and entertainment features are resonating with large audiences and we’re doing our best to provide additional inventory in all of the 53 countries where it’s available.”
Since both consoles’ launch late last year, the PS4 performed best in total sales. NPD’s Liam Callaghan also noted, “Xbox One led consoles sales in December, while PS4’s two-month total makes it the best-selling console during the two-month launch window.”
