The numbers are in, and Sony appears to have all the momentum – according to NPD figures, the PlayStation 4 is out-selling the Xbox One by 2:1 in North America.
Geoff Keighley’s twitter has been buzzing with numbers following the release of the January NPD Group data. Perhaps the most interesting information posted is his reference of Guy Longworth stating that the PlayStation 4 was tops in sales for next-gen consoles in January, and it wasn’t close.
It’s no secret that the PlayStation 4 has been getting the majority of the good next-gen press over the past few months, but doubling the sales of the Xbox One is quite a feat. The claim is reinforced by another tweet stating that the PlayStation 4 version of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition outsold the Xbox One version two-to-one. This kind of news is a pretty big deal to third-party publishers looking for the most lucrative platform to host their games.
It’s a bit confusing, then, that the official Xbox news site sports a headline stating that the Xbox One sold the most games in the US in January. The actual text of the post, though, seems to be comparing the Xbox One to the Xbox 360, and not to its next-gen competition. It even appears to make an alarming claim that Microsoft’s console sold the most games across all platforms in January:
January NPD Group figures released today revealed Xbox* sold the most games across all console platforms in January with 2.27 million units sold, making up 47 percent of software market share.
See that asterisk? It’s a big one. The Xbox brand sold the most games across all console platforms in January – both the Xbox One and the Xbox 360 combined.
This news suggests that the gap is growing between the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. That’s important for people who’ve yet to choose which one to buy – quickly, they may find that all of their friends own Sony’s console. However, the release of Titanfall on the Xbox One is right around the corner, and many expect it to be the console’s first big system-seller. Sony seems be sprinting out of the gates in 2014, but it’s a long year.
Last Updated: February 14, 2014
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 14, 2014 at 09:20
This console war is really heating up now.
I still believe the biggest problem was Microsoft’s press releases back before the launch. It did serious damage to their credibility and trust from gamers.
I’m not sure if they can bounce back with all this. We shall have to see what happens once the XboxOne releases in all regions though
Jaded_Reprobate
February 14, 2014 at 09:24
i’m waiting for the next deluded press release from MS to try and explain this 1
Grant Hancock
February 14, 2014 at 09:48
Think Sony will now have to make a misstep or two to lose the momentum they’ve got now. I would assume that most consumers seeing PS4 outselling and outperforming Xbone at this stage will assume PS4 is vastly superior, and that it will always be … hard for Xbone to overcome that without either major innovation, update or PS4 encountering problems
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 14, 2014 at 11:16
For sure. I 100% agree.
What could possibly happen though is that people may just be opting to adopt the Xbox later? Maybe they are actually trying to vote with their wallets for a change? Wait for all the nonsense with the Xbox1 to be sorted?
I’m probably hoping for too much here lol. People don’t vote with their wallets. They just moan and buy regardless
Grant Hancock
February 14, 2014 at 11:21
If using the voting analogy… Then I’m abstaining from voting until prices come down or value (number and quality of games and services) goes up ! 🙂
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 14, 2014 at 11:24
You are unfortunately part of the minority.
There are those that vote with their wallets. But they are far less than those who moan and then go and buy it anyway because they simply cannot imagine their lives without it. Even though they know it’s not good
HvR
February 14, 2014 at 09:30
Biggest surprise about this report is that MS executives can count and do addition.
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 14, 2014 at 09:42
And so creatively too. I wonder if they used to work for Exxon.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 14, 2014 at 09:37
Wow. Console war? More like console genocide, looks like SONY own this gen. Cannot see Titanfall as being a reason to buy the Bone to be honest. With MS employees jumping ship faster than you can say ‘I can fly Jack’ I think even they know…
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 14, 2014 at 09:40
Especially since it’s releasing on the 360 & PC as well.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 14, 2014 at 09:42
Exactly. What kind of incentive is it then? Timed? People care about that?
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 14, 2014 at 09:44
Quite a few of the suckers* do.
Please note: Suckers do not actually suck, they’re proud early adopters.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 14, 2014 at 09:45
Haha. I like this use of *, I note you had a few rather irate people reply to your comments a few days ago 🙂
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 14, 2014 at 09:54
I thought I’d try something new. It’s working out quite well for everyone.*
Please note: By everyone I mean me.
I noticed. Little Xbot completely overlooked the word “potential” when word vomiting. I giggled, thought of it as a proud early adopter, then went about the rest of my day.
Hammersteyn
February 14, 2014 at 10:00
That’s the problem. Sony doesn’t do this. Why should I buy a XBOX when I can jam Titanfall on PC?
Brian Murphy
February 14, 2014 at 10:06
I think even more importantly, is the absurdly low system requirements for the game. The 360 is an additional reason, but there aren’t many people out there boasting less than a core 2 duo, 4 gigs of ram and an 8800GT (ok, maybe Darryn).
Really, there’s no need at all for a One, not for Titanfall anyway.
Bad @ss
February 14, 2014 at 10:08
Not worth getting the xbox* to play TF as there is no servers near SA and the experience’s gonna be well as usual – not as it should be.
To buy a console for a specific game – wow
SheHulkNigri
February 14, 2014 at 09:38
You have to admire they way that the MS spin doctors are trying to sell it.
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 14, 2014 at 09:39
MS spin doctors*
Please note: MS spin doctors are not medical doctors & shouldn’t be consulted for medical advice.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 14, 2014 at 09:43
But my Xbone hurts? 0-O
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 14, 2014 at 09:45
A powerglove isn’t an officialy supported peripheral.
SheHulkNigri
February 14, 2014 at 09:50
But that is what happens when you try and Raid Tombs in 720p instead of 1080p
RinceandLeSIGH
February 14, 2014 at 09:51
you get less than 30ffs 😉 teehehe
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 14, 2014 at 09:57
Your typo just ruined a brilliant faps per second joke.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 14, 2014 at 10:03
It wasn’t a typo. It’s supposed to be for fuck sake
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 14, 2014 at 10:08
Still ruined my joke though. :(*
Please note: not really.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 14, 2014 at 10:09
Pah!
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 14, 2014 at 10:11
lol.
SheHulkNigri
February 14, 2014 at 10:03
Ah… that is what he was aiming for…
Tarisma
February 14, 2014 at 09:56
They need to employ Mac he can put a good spin on anythin g
Grant Hancock
February 14, 2014 at 09:45
Was planning to anyway… but decision to get PS4 is getting easier and easier.
Rikus
February 14, 2014 at 09:46
Epic header guys!
Matt Buckley
February 14, 2014 at 10:15
Thanks Rikus!
Martin du preez
February 14, 2014 at 09:47
By gamers FOR gamers then you couple that with Live, Learn and Love philosophy you get:
http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_medium/104/1042265/2432399-ehulwqf.gif
Norm
February 14, 2014 at 10:31
Daaaaamn!
FoxOneZA
February 14, 2014 at 11:03
Free food? 😛
Martin du preez
February 14, 2014 at 11:25
Free food and free Vaj
CypherGate
February 14, 2014 at 09:51
Poooooor Microsoft…. Somehow lost there way 5 years ago when they started research on a console.
Guest
February 14, 2014 at 11:22
All been downhill since Windows XP 😛
Hondsepop
February 14, 2014 at 13:50
Vista, it’s been downhill since Windows Vista.
fred
February 14, 2014 at 09:57
With ps+ , and games like Resogun and Outlast for free , there is just no way the Xbox can win this. Never mind the pixels and performance bonus and price.
Hammersteyn
February 14, 2014 at 09:58
Outlast scares the shit out of me!
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 14, 2014 at 09:59
I watched Rock play a bit of that last Sat. That’s a game I’ll play with the lights on & headphones off.
Hammersteyn
February 14, 2014 at 10:01
I started last night thinking it’s indie and how bad can it be. Goosebumps all over!
fred
February 14, 2014 at 10:02
Got to the sewers last night , it is a good game so far , had one of the grunts running after me last night , we were running circles around a table , till I saw the opening in the roof. My heart jumped just a little bit.
Hammersteyn
February 14, 2014 at 10:04
The best part is you can look behind you while running. As if that helps the situation.
fred
February 14, 2014 at 10:05
Ain’t nobody got time for that!
RinceandLeSIGH
February 14, 2014 at 10:11
Yeah, played it at John’s place last week. Man, it scared the crap out of me. I want that game so badly.
Hammersteyn
February 14, 2014 at 10:12
I love how you can look behind you while running. Like you really want to see whats chasing you or how close it is.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 14, 2014 at 10:13
What gets me is when you hide in lockers. You are never 100% sure he isn’t going to open the thing and get you!
Ultimo_Cleric N7
February 14, 2014 at 09:58
I have said it before and I will say it again: Titanfall is not going to magically fix the Xbox One’s sales. Its one game and if its really as good as everyone says the Dev’s will eventually bring it out on PS4 anyway. Remember when Mass Effect was Xbocx exclusive? Yup, that didnt last long.
Hammersteyn
February 14, 2014 at 09:59
Plus it’s coming to PC. How many PS exclusives does this? They will list this as one of the reasons should the XBOX fail.
FoxOneZA
February 14, 2014 at 10:04
The Xbox Ones greatest threat is really the PC more than the PS4.
fred
February 14, 2014 at 10:08
Not so sure , i think once you go console , you don’t go back .
geelslang
February 14, 2014 at 10:22
How do you recon that?
RinceandLeSIGH
February 14, 2014 at 10:31
I don’t think so. If you are a console person you are not going to go PC if you don’t like the Xbox. You are going to go SONY.
FoxOneZA
February 14, 2014 at 11:01
I know plenty of Xbox people that went over to PC. They just took the 360 controller with them 😉
Mabenito
February 14, 2014 at 15:09
It is a great game, but still, it’s a MMOFPS.. and since it is also releasing on PC. I more of COD vs Titanfall than XB vs PS (exclusives).
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
February 14, 2014 at 11:48
Don’t underestimate the power of organised, contrived and artificial PR hype. Titanfall’s hype has been off the charts. There’s no question that it will move a couple of Xbones, but the problem is, I think the backlash against the game will be very profound.
At the moment it’s advertised as the evolution of FPS games; a new FRESH and Mind-blowing entry into a stale genre, but it’s actually not bringing anything new to the table. It’s certainly a pretty game (for an xbone title), but I wonder whether it’ll have the legs.
Rainman
February 14, 2014 at 10:07
What does the Xbox One and South Africa have in common?
The Fat Cats in charge dont give a sh1t about the people.
Hammersteyn
February 14, 2014 at 10:11
Well said!
Gareth L (That Guy)
February 14, 2014 at 11:01
It’s not that they don’t care, it’s that it’s not a priority to make the Xbox One an astounding success. Unlike Sony, who may go bankrupt if their new console fails.
Laby
February 14, 2014 at 10:12
What M$’s biggest mistake with the Xbox One was the secret spy hardware they implanted and the stupid idea of cloud gaming when the world is not ready for such tech with our pathetic Internet speeds.
Theo Steenekamp
February 14, 2014 at 10:31
Considering Xbox One had a limit to what countries got it. Its fucking logic that Sony has more sales
Unavengedavo
February 14, 2014 at 10:33
And their in lies Microsoft’s biggest mistake. They kinda shot themselves in the foot because of this
Gareth L (That Guy)
February 14, 2014 at 11:00
Not really. Microsoft doesn’t rely on their console department to stay afloat. They’ve got many other departments and it’s not necessary for them to spend billions on Xbox One manufacturing at this point.
Rikus
February 14, 2014 at 11:06
I think he meant Microsoft’s biggest mistake regarding Xbox One, not Microsoft in general.
Mabenito
February 14, 2014 at 11:57
Those figures are US/NA alone. No international.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
February 14, 2014 at 12:02
As pointed out; this are US sales only for a month where both consoles are readily available.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
February 14, 2014 at 11:34
But guys… the only numbers that count are what’s happening in the US /s 😛
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
February 14, 2014 at 11:54
EA really backed the wrong horse… lol. They must be kicking themselves over the timed exclusive boner agreements they made with Microsoft. I can already see some pencil pushing exec mumbling about the flurry of sales that have been lost because Titanfall isn’t on PS4.
BenderIsGreat34
February 15, 2014 at 01:21
I’d say Round 1 and 2 go to PS4.