For the third month in a row Microsoft have achieved victory in sales over the PlayStation 4, with the Xbox coming up as the best-selling console in the US once again. This follows substantial price cuts on Microsoft’s part, and the launch of the slimmer Xbox One S.
It wasn’t that long ago that Microsoft’s Xbox One console was getting crushed by Sony’s PlayStation 4 in terms of unit sales. However, Microsoft seems to have regained momentum over the last quarter, having outsold the PS4 for three months consecutively, at least in the US. Data from the industry-tracking group NPD, shows that Microsoft’s combined Xbox sales managed to keep the company one step ahead of its competition. Microsoft offered a statement touting not only the unit sales of its console, but also the increase of subscribers to Xbox Live Gold:
Thanks to our fans, Xbox One was the best-selling console in September in the U.S. for the third month in a row according to NPD Group as well as the best-selling console in September in the U.K. according to GfK Entertainment UK. We received an incredible response to Forza Horizon 3, the No. 1 first-party title for September in the U.S., Australia, and U.K. according to NPD Group and GfK Entertainment UK. Global engagement on Xbox Live – the fastest, most reliable gaming network – continues to grow and the number of unique multiplayer users increased 57 percent year-over-year.
The Xbox seems to be selling surprisingly well mainly due to Microsoft’s affordable and attractive bundles. The newer Xbox One S, that offers some extra bells and whistles in a smaller, lighter package also seems to be doing well. Sony recently tried to counter this with its own refreshed PS4. However, the company’s fans are much more likely to be waiting for the higher-end PS4 Pro, or the PlayStation VR that’s launching this month.
It’ll be very interesting to see if Microsoft can hold on to this winning formula and triumph over its competitors over the holiday season when most of the year’s consoles get sold.
Source: Venturebeat