Home Gaming Playstation 4: 4.2 million units sold

Playstation 4: 4.2 million units sold

1 min read
65

Millions

Remember when I told you yesterday that Microsoft had crossed an impressive milestone – managing 3 million units sold by the end of December 2013. Well, I predicted that we’d hear Sony’s sales numbers as the tit-for-tat continues, and that’s a big tit, or is it tat?

During Sony’s keynote address at Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Andrew House announced that as of 28 December, 4.2 million PlayStation 4s had been sold through to consumers. Back in September, House said that the plan was to sell 5 million PS4s by the end of the fiscal year, which is March 2014; with 4.2 already in the bag they are well on their way to exceeding that goal. Perhaps he was right when he predicted that the PS4 would exceed the PS3 in sales. Both PS3 and Xbox 360 sold have sold about 80 million units worldwide, but PS3 only managed to sell 3.6 million consoles in the first year. Sony’s new console is off to a much stronger start, and may very well exceed everyone’s expectations.

Additionally, Sony has announced that 9.7 million PS4 games have sold across physical and digital distribution and PS Plus subscriptions are up 90% worldwide. Of course PS Plus subscriptions have climbed – not only is it an awesome service, it’s also necessary for anyone who wants to play online. So it makes sense that people are jumping on the PS Plus bandwagon to get some cool free games each month, and also play with others.

Either way you cut it, PS4 and Xbox One are showing fantastic sales figures. With just over a month of availability, there are over 7 million “next gen” consoles in people’s homes. That’s an amazing start. Both consoles are doing well and the market is growing. I just wish the poor Wii U would do even half as well.

Last Updated: January 8, 2014

65 Comments

  1. RockMossel2014

    January 8, 2014 at 08:35

    OK, but MS only sold xbones to 13 regions compared to Sony that sold world wide. Now what I would like to know is how many PS4s were sold in those 13 regions.

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      January 8, 2014 at 08:41

      Prob abit more, but in murica Xbone will own.

      Reply

      • RockMossel2014

        January 8, 2014 at 08:46

        Random question: Is there a reason for the 1033 number in your name?

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          January 8, 2014 at 08:48

          It’s the Timbot’s production model number.

          Reply

          • RinceThis2014

            January 8, 2014 at 10:00

            HAHAAH

          • Sageville

            January 8, 2014 at 10:02

            Woah! Pump those brakes!

            Are you saying there are possibly 1032 other Timster-like entities out there?

            Eish!

          • RinceThis2014

            January 8, 2014 at 10:06

            No, they grind up the broken ones and feed them into the next model 0-O Wait, what?

        • TiMsTeR1033

          January 8, 2014 at 08:49

          Indeed, You see I once in land of Doom went on a killing spree of 1033 trolls hense the 1033. hahaha nah I used to go with Ghost1033 as gamer tag as Ghost was taken then got bored and said screw it I shall be Timster1033

          Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      January 8, 2014 at 08:42

      Worth noting that Sony has yet to release the PS4 in Japan, which is one of its biggest markets, Xbox One has been released in the US and UK, which are its largest markets by far.

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        January 8, 2014 at 08:44

        What I don’t get, Sony is in Japan why punish their own people by waiting so long? Their Ps4’s Special or something?

        Reply

        • Gareth L (That Guy)

          January 8, 2014 at 08:55

          Their “reason” is that the launch titles won’t appeal to the Japanese market. They’re quite happy with the current success of the portable devices.

          Reply

        • Sageville

          January 8, 2014 at 10:01

          Japan’s delay was due to localization issues I believe…. that language probably needed alot more work to make all the games and functions localized.

          Reply

      • RockMossel2014

        January 8, 2014 at 08:45

        Oh yeah! Completely forgot about that! Would still like to see apples compared to apples though. Probably best to wait until both consoles are sold world wide to make a proper comparison.

        Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        January 8, 2014 at 08:52

        Maybe it will launch in Japan with Gaikai

        Reply

    • e1ace

      January 8, 2014 at 09:46

      That would only matter if the markets were saturated. At the moment it’s really hard to find any next gen consoles on the shelves or online.

      At the moment it’s just a production race. Who ever makes more consoles is winning. Once the sales slow down (6-12 months) is when it makes sense to compare sales.

      Reply

    • RinceThis2014

      January 8, 2014 at 10:00

      Ya. But you also need to remember that the SONY 4 has yet to get released in it’s biggest market, Japan. Potential 350 million people there!

      Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      January 8, 2014 at 11:07

      You could argue that, but essentially Microsoft’s sales have been concentrated in the US (not surprising since it is a US-centric console). Elsewhere, uptake of the bone has been sluggish as hell (even in the UK the bone hasn’t set the shops alight). The contribution of the other 12 regions has not been as spectacular as you might think. Essentially….remove the US from the equation and you’re looking at Wii-U levels of fail.

      Reply

    • Johnny

      January 8, 2014 at 16:00

      But even when you break it down by day to day sales Sony still wins. It’s just not that simple. But like I said above I don’t believe sonys claim until its been independently verified. They have a history of over stating things and not telling the hole truth.

      Reply

      • RockMossel2014

        January 8, 2014 at 16:12

        Agreed. The more I think of this the more I realise that it is a very difficult thing to compare. Will have to wait untill all countries have access to both consoles and studies have been done indepently for both.

        Reply

        • Anon A Mouse

          January 8, 2014 at 16:25

          I’m going to have a head ache after posting this because this is upper level thinking for me but even that will not give a proper indication of who is winning. At this moment both consoles are struggling to produce enough for the demand out there. I guess you will only start to see anything worthwhile in about 6 months to a year when there are more games out and supply and demand have normalized.

          Reply

        • Johnny

          January 8, 2014 at 16:49

          The thing about this to me is “do you really believe that 7.1 million new consoles have sold this fast at 400 and 500 respectively” the answer is no. We have every reason to believe that ms is fudging the numbers and Sony is flat out lying in their assertion of 4.1 million. Guess what they don’t have to tell us the truth and there is no repercussions if they don’t. You would think if it were true game sales for the new consoles would be doing really well and they just don’t match either claims from what I have seen.

          Reply

          • Brian Murphy

            January 8, 2014 at 21:02

            My question is, why are those number so surprising to you? People shell out for the brand new model of Iphone/Ipad/Android every 2 years, in far, far greater numbers. Easily surpassing the 400-500 spent on a new console every 6+ years.

            Not that I urge you to take any company at face value, but those numbers really aren’t that shocking to me, especially given the amount of countries they’ve already launched in.

  2. TiMsTeR1033

    January 8, 2014 at 08:37

    Poor WiiU As much as I want you for Mario, you are still in needing of a much needed price drop, as is the PS3.. I mean next gen is here, well PS4 is Xbone will be here prob Dec 2014 or Feb 2015 the way things are going. Please Bring Timmy much hope and have a price drop.

    Reply

  3. Jonah Cash

    January 8, 2014 at 08:43

    Who of you have seen the Playstation Now reveal??? Now that is going to be a game changer!! If it ever comes to dark Africa!! This will make all PS4’s backwards compatible…. Sign me up!!

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      January 8, 2014 at 08:45

      They having something that makes all Ps4s play ps3 games?

      Reply

      • Jonah Cash

        January 8, 2014 at 09:01

        Yes… They have finally used that Gaikai investment!! But not just PS3 games, they will be streaming PS1 and PS2 games also!! If our internet can take it, I will be one of the first to sign up for this streaming service!! Hopefully the cloud will works as advertised this time!! But the hands on from some of the journo’s there sounds promising!!

        Reply

        • Spathi

          January 8, 2014 at 09:03

          And not just to PS4s. To TV, Tablets and phones!

          Reply

          • Jonah Cash

            January 8, 2014 at 09:10

            This would make me buy a Bravia TV….. And I am such a Samsung fan!! Hopefully they can bring it to different makes and models!! But I think they will understand that!!

  4. Anon A Mouse

    January 8, 2014 at 08:51

    With China also, sort of, maybe, opening up the console market it might go even higher. I say might because China don’t play too well with Merica and Japan. Also free PC games rule in China, so we will have to wait and see.

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      January 8, 2014 at 08:54

      Pc will always dominate in China they been unprivileged for so long they care not for consoles.

      Reply

      • Rags

        January 8, 2014 at 09:33

        So plot twist. The Chinese are the Master Race?

        Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      January 8, 2014 at 08:56

      I actually think Nintendo’s 3ds and Wii U might do pretty well in china. nostalgia, pls they’re cheaper. the majority of Chinese consumers are pretty poor.

      Reply

      • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

        January 8, 2014 at 09:00

        Except that they now have to pay royalties 🙁

        Reply

  5. Hammersteyn

    January 8, 2014 at 08:51

    If only MS released in as many countries as the PS4. Then again with it being more expensive one would have to question the loyalties of people when it comes to their wallets.

    Reply

    • Anon A Mouse

      January 8, 2014 at 08:54

      As @OddSockZA:disqus said below, they did already release in their major territories with PS4 still having to release in Japan. On the udder hand, Sony is giving the XBone a run for it’s money in Merica so I think they are playing that as hard as possible.

      Reply

    • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

      January 8, 2014 at 08:55

      Drat. As I posted I see you said the same thing about MS releasing everywhere

      Reply

  6. Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

    January 8, 2014 at 08:54

    Woah. Now imagine how hot thios battle would be if Xbone released in all countries as well….

    Reply

  7. Umar of The Rebellion

    January 8, 2014 at 08:55

    PS3 + PS4 + Vita….all the gaming you will ever need

    Reply

    • Spathi

      January 8, 2014 at 08:56

      Star Citizen, the one thorn in my side….

      Reply

      • Umar Appreciates Nier

        January 8, 2014 at 08:57

        Not on mine. I remain skeptical, they seem to be too ambitious for their own good, though it is gonna be awesome

        Reply

        • Spathi

          January 8, 2014 at 09:02

          The single player part will now be a proper spiritual successor to Wing Commander, and I’ll buy the game purely for that. And if the Star Citizen part is purely a remake of and features the same functionality as Freelancer, I’d love it. I’m trying to not hype the game tot much as I know I will be disappointed in some way or the other, but I’m struggling!

          Reply

          • Umar Appreciates Nier

            January 8, 2014 at 09:03

            Know the feelz bro. Just, with kickstarter you have to be weary a lil bit. but here’s to hoping it will be great ! 🙂

    • Hammersteyn

      January 8, 2014 at 09:03

      So true, I don’t have enough time anymore.

      Reply

      • Umar Appreciates Nier

        January 8, 2014 at 09:04

        Telling me bud. And the games are gonna keep on coming and the free games will keep on flowing lol

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          January 8, 2014 at 09:26

          R480 a year? Feels like I’m stealing from Sony.

          Reply

          • Umar Appreciates Nier

            January 8, 2014 at 09:26

            R480 has netted me THOUSANDS of rand’s worth of games lol …. #SonyLove

    • TiMsTeR1033

      January 8, 2014 at 09:17

      Then why the WiiU…

      Reply

      • Umar Appreciates Nier

        January 8, 2014 at 09:17

        Ahh, forgot to add the WiiU

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          January 8, 2014 at 09:18

          you buy one yet?

          Reply

          • Umar Appreciates Nier

            January 8, 2014 at 09:19

            Yup I did , waiting for it to be delivered. along with ZombiU. Still miss my Xbox from time to time

          • TiMsTeR1033

            January 8, 2014 at 09:31

            How much did you actually use it?

    • RinceThis2014

      January 8, 2014 at 10:03

      What about your Xbox? 0-O

      Reply

  8. Melasco

    January 8, 2014 at 09:00

    And so many people believed consoles are dead….

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      January 8, 2014 at 09:03

      Yup.

      Reply

    • Gareth L (That Guy)

      January 8, 2014 at 09:07

      We’ll hear that every single generation. What *is* dying is the hardcopy format used for consoles, and the physical gaming stores that sell them.

      Computers are getting more compact, faster and cheaper too. So once there are no longer console games being sold in stores, and you are able to easily upgrade your compact gaming PC would that kill off the console as we know it?

      Reply

    • RinceThis2014

      January 8, 2014 at 10:04

      Agreed. Well, PC ‘Master’ race called that…

      Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      January 8, 2014 at 11:15

      They’re left eating humble crow pie!!! Mmmm… lick those crow feathers!!!

      Reply

  9. FoxOneZA

    January 8, 2014 at 10:09

    If 3 million can purchase an Xbox One then I don’t think pricing is a determining factor when consumers are buying their next-gen systems.

    Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      January 8, 2014 at 11:12

      The PS3 was also criticised and ridiculed by an aggressive and extremely negative enthusiast press for its price, and yet it still managed to sell incredibly well in those first few years (at 600 dollahs).

      I think the bone will do the same. But, I wouldn’t be surprised if they drop the price this year. Once they shave off 100 dollahs, things are going to pick up for the bone.

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        January 8, 2014 at 15:59

        They need to shave of the Kinect.

        Reply

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          January 8, 2014 at 20:44

          lol, with a machete!

          Reply

  10. Johnny

    January 8, 2014 at 15:55

    Pfff don’t buy Sonys claims until it’s been verified independently. Anyone asking do the game sales match? Or just clapping like brain dead seals.

    Reply

  11. Brian Murphy

    January 8, 2014 at 17:48

    Good numbers from Sony, well done.

    For the folks saying that they wonder what the Xbox’s numbers would be if they released WW, probably exactly where they are now. The problem is supply, right now isn’t even coming close to demand, Sony’s running into this issue as well.

    You can’t sell more of a sold out item, if it’s released in more areas. You can only sell the same amount, and while some units are sitting on shelves here and there, those units are already dedicated for those areas. They don’t just yank those from shelves where they aren’t selling, and send them to an area where they are.

    Until we reach market saturation, where the folks who wants a PS4/Xbox One, need only go to the nearest store and purchase it. We won’t really know where these numbers are going to even out, it’s merely a matter of which company is manufacturing the most on a month to month basis.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Xbox Series X Restock Update Today: Track on Twitter, Walmart, Best Buy and More

New consoles are on the horizon, and while Sony and Microsoft have spoken plenty about wha…