PlayStation 4: Largest Console Launch in History

Sony boasts that its next-gen console, the PlayStation 4, had “the largest console launch in history.” Jack Tretton, president and CEO of SCEA, called sales of the console “incredibly strong” since its launch last month. Tretton also stated, “In North America alone, more than one million PlayStation 4 units were sold in only 24 hours and we’re pleased NPD has reported that PS4 was the top selling next-gen platform for both hardware and software. We are humbled by the passion and excitement demonstrated by gamers for PS4. Demand continues to overwhelm supply, but we’re working hard to get PS4 units into hands of customers throughout the holiday season.”

Liam Callahan, an NPD analyst, revealed that, “this is the fourth consecutive month for an increase in combined physical sales across hardware, software, and accessories. Unlike the past three months, where growth was driven by software, positive trends for both hardware and accessory sales drove on overall increase of 7 percent.” Callahan also noted that a rate of software to hardware was strong and PS4 attach rates are exceeding those of the launch months of both of the console’s predecessors, the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2. The growth of interactive gaming toys has also experienced a growth in sales (yay?)

On the hardware side of the things, Callahan stated that, “with the introduction of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, coupled with positive sales of the Nintendo 3DS, sales in November 2013 marked the best November for hardware sales of record.” He also included that the PS4 led hardware sales out of all console for the month and it marked the highest first months of a hardware platform – ever.

Now, now, I know what you’re thinking: “That’s not fair! The PS4 had an extra week of being on sale than the Xbox One!” So, Callahan made it clear than “when looking at sales on average per-week basis, Xbox One led PS4. Keep in mind, however, that supply typically becomes constrained in the second week after launch.”

Rest easy, Microsoft fans; Xbox One was the second highest selling platform for the month of November. This marked the largest launch for a Microsoft console to date. Additionally, Microsoft takes the crown for being the fastest selling console on the market in the United States. 909,132 Xbox Ones were sold in the U.S. within the console’s first nine days one sale and an average of 101,000 Xbox Ones were sold per day.

Total software sales for last month were $1.085 billion. This is down a whole 24% from the 1.434 billion dollars in November 2012. Hardware sales really brought in the dough, however, taking home $1.3 billion, jumping 58% from last year’s 839.1 million dollars.

Interestingly enough, there was a lack of any console exclusives in the NPD’s top 10. For those who are wondering, the best-selling games between November 3^rd and November 30^th are:

• Call of Duty Ghosts
• Battlefield 4
• Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
• Madden NFL 25
• Grand Theft Auto V
• NBA 2K14
• Skylanders SWAP Force
• Just Dance 2014
• Disney Infinity 
• FIFA 14

IGN is reporting that market research firm DFC believes that the Xbox One will continue to fare extremely well in the States, taking the cake for a sales advantage over the PS4 in this console war. Have you guys picked up any of these games, or perhaps, a next-gen console?

Via: Sony