UK Xbox One pre-orders ahead of PS4, although PS4 enjoys post Xbox spike

MCV has received word from retail sources that pre-orders for the Xbox One are tracking ahead of PS4 in many UK stores.

In fact, one told us that in the 24 hours after Xbox One’s reveal last week the total number of pre-orders it received for Microsoft’s machine outstripped the total number of PS4 pre-orders it had accrued since Sony’s reveal in February.

[TheLyonKing]

1. who are the retailers?
2. sources e.g number of stores etc?
3. Sony annoucned theres in Feb with no box
4. wait til E3 and we will see true pre order as more info will be available.

[NewMonday]

the dedicated fanbase will by their favorite brand no matter what, the key will be "swing customers" who by what is best for themselves.

at the start you can't get a real indication of general popularity, the WiiU and Vita all started strong but after the core fans got their systems sales fell sharply. the pace of sales after the holidays will give the real picture.

[DoesUs]

"the dedicated fanbase will by their favorite brand no matter what, the key will be "swing customers" who by what is best for themselves."

Very well said.

[thechosenone]

bu..but PS4 is #1 on amazon in the UK. Amazon > small mom&pop shops. The console wars have begun!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/...

[JokesOnYou]

Well Im sure if they said ps4 pre orders were higher then nobody would question it....that said pre orders dont mean a whole lot, people are fickle.

[SilentNegotiator]

@JOY

Boy, you sure do love to pretend like all appropriate doubt against anything Xbox is the fault of Playstation fans. mcvuk.com is clearly being selective with their pre-order articles, which you might see if you weren't too busy going "bu...bu...but teh PS fanbois! If it were the other way!"

If, if, if...
If "ifs" and "buts" were candy and nuts...

All they did was dial some random stores, FFS.

[JokesOnYou]

Silent, I'm not arguing whether or not these pre orders are significant, in fact I said it doesnt mean much.

Yet you did all that "if" blah, blah ranting but you still never denied my assumption, so I'll ask you directly, if the headline was about PS4 pre-orders tracking aheead of XBox One would this thread be full of so much doubt/negative comments? Whats wrong with exposing hypocrisy? Why does the truth bother you so much?

[S2Killinit]

JokesOnYou
I do agree with you somewhat, but to answer your question of course people wouldn't question it, it would be consistent with what they believe. "most" gamers believe that Playstation should kick butt. Will it? I don't know, but I sure do hope so...

[SilentNegotiator]

"if the headline was about PS4 pre-orders tracking aheead of XBox One would this thread be full of so much doubt/negative comments? Whats wrong with exposing hypocrisy? Why does the truth bother you so much? "

It would if the "evidence" was some site calling a couple of random stores, like this article.

[NobleTeam360]

@ thechosenone your link shows xbox one on top not PS4.

[JokesOnYou]

Silent, even the most loyal sony fan knows the answer to that question, I understand we disagree about different gaming choices/topics/consoles but for a second I thought we could call a spade a spade guess not cause frankly that answer gave me nasim flashbacks, lol....oh well enjoy your night Sir.,

lol, thechosenone, cool name but the xbox one is #1 on your own link....when fanboyism goes wrong...priceless!

[SilentNegotiator]

@JOY

In your head it might be a spade, but that doesn't make it a spade. In the same situation (a cheap website claiming a pre-order lead by dialing random locations - with little elaboration) with a Ps4 lead would get the same eye rolls and expressions of doubt if Ps4 were the ONE being so poorly received.

[Skips]

"in UK stores."

... oh. Well that explains it... Wonder how it is for the rest of Europe. :o

[andrewsqual]

We have 1100 preorders on PS4 and 250 on Xbox One and that is in Ireland. There is no way that stores in the UK have more preorders. They MAY have taken more last week for the Xbox One but not total. Also we even have a lot of people who cancelled their Xbox Ones the last 7 days when they learned about all the post reveal details.

[LeRise]

By the way, it's easy to explain.
PS4 isn't even shown, that's why many people can't pre-order a console. Would you buy a gaming machine with unknown design?
Second: we still don't know exact details about built-in DRM. Smart customers won't buy a console unless they know the details pretty well.

And again: people, who can deal with always-online already preordered Xbox. People who don't like this idea still wait for PS4 no-DRM confirmation.

You'll see, the PS4 preorders will outstrip XB1 after the E3 reveal.

[HammadTheBeast]

Main reason why Xbox is beating PS4 in pre-orders?

The console design has been seen.

I've asked around in both Gamestop and my Best Buy and they've told me the exact thing.

"Wait for E3" lol.

[Ilovetheps5]

As far as I know, Gamestop and Best Buy aren't taking preorders. So, how would they know?

[Mustang300C2012]

Exactly I already asked Gamestop and they said they are waiting for official prices from both to start pre-orders which should be the during E3 so dude is talking out of his ass.

[DevilishSix]

Also, Amazon isn't taking preorders yet. All you can do is sign up to be notified when it is available to pre-order. This article is bunk.

[abzdine]

This must be one of Microsoft's lame jokes.
No retailers are known so this must be bs.
I don't really care though this isn't the machine I'm buying.
4>1 for all gamers

[gamertk421]

Not for this gamer

[Boody-Bandit]

Not "buying" these preorder claims. Not one source is listed. No site should be allowed to make up phony claims while not listing a single retailer or actual source.

Here in NA I check a few times a week looking for any company that will accept preorders and I always come up with 0 waiting on word when they will start accepting preorders. So far all they are offering is being placed on an announcement list for when they will start accepting preorders. I hope that actually works because for once I want the ability to preorder instead of having to camp out over night at a store like a Neanderthal. I will if I have to but I'd rather preorder if possible.

[Ilovetheps5]

I actually had to camp out to preorder the PS3. I waited 18 and a half hours in line to preorder the system. They got four systems at the store and I was the fourth person in line. I thought it was a rather fun experience.

[Boody-Bandit]

Depends on the weather. I camped out over night a few times. 2 times was a blast camping out at Best Buy with friends. People were throwing around frisbeees and footballs, blasting music, making food runs for the masses while holding their places in line.

The last couple times I went at it alone and it was freezing out. When I camped out for the PS3 it was both cold and raining. I had a tent but all it did was keep me dry. The minutes felt like hours. I swore never again. I'm too old for that sh!t. Than again, there were people much older than me toughing it out. I am just getting soft.

If I have to. I will break out the gear once again. I'd rather camp out than play retail tag the first thing in the morning several times a week.

[merciless]

This is a lie! I live in the UK and we have one main store called "GAME" yes you can buy from elsewhere but this store is the go to place for uk gamers.

I was at my local game store on sunday and was told that the ms numbers don't match ps4 preorders when you take the same period of time. He told me it was close to four ps4's for every one x1 during the initial weeks after each reveal.

I'm calling this story completely fabricated by ms and their associates. on UK gaming forums, nobody is pre ordering and even ms' die hard fan are so upset they say they are waiting until after e3. This story is BS

Much like the other UK story about Amazon(uk) having x1 as most desired when it was being released in 2013 with the ps4 set for release in 2020

[TheLyonKing]

My mate works at Game in aberdeen Bon accord he said there has been a couple of people putting a place holder on the xbone but there has been more demand for the ps4

[MRMagoo123]

the main place to preorder here in Australia is EB games its the same as game in the uk (i have lived int he uk myself for about 8 years) and at EB games they have been telling customers to go for the ps4 (which is the complete opposite that they did for the ps3 360 launch times) It just seems to be ps4 is going to be far more popular from the get go.

[lilbrat23]

What I am waiting for E3 :-D than the next day go pre-order. :-)

[ijust2good]

Well its the UK...XBOX 360 console is dominating in this country.

[MRMagoo123]

Because all the rude boys seem to think its gansta to have a 360 lmao, i knew a few in stevenage when i was living there that thought that.

[GameCents]

Not sure what E3 will change. Xbox One has outsold ps4 in one single week without showing games.
I shudder to think what E3 will do to these numbers seeing as Microsoft have been talking about how they'll focus on just games there.

This saddens me. Gaming as we know it is about to be changed forever.

[jwatt]

It just switched to xb1 being number 1

[Anon1974]

I'm always sceptical of these types of articles that neither reveal their numbers or sources. MCV reported on the Blockbuster nonsense too, trumpeting Xbox One pre-orders when they weren't even allowing pre-orders for the PS4 and there seems to be no evidence that Blockbuster in the UK has ever done a pre-order on a console system in the past other than the Wii-U.

At least it's correctly labelled a rumor as there doesn't appear to be any evidence to actually support these claims. I'm not saying it's not possible they're correct, I just wish if they were going to report something like this they'd have something solid. I guess anything for hits...

[popup]

I must admit that although, so far, it seems to me that the Xbox One has received nothing but bad press and that anyone who has shown any interest in investing a bit of time to compare the two, would certainly favour Sony over MS.

The odd thing is that in general conversation with friends, work colleagues and others, I have found quite a strong following for the XB1.

Not only do I find this very odd but also very interesting in the way that many people simply think it is a new Xbox to replace their old Xbox that their circle of mates (the lads) have too.

[GraveLord]

Was the PS4 even available for pre-order back when it was announced? Hell even the current Xbox one and PS4 prices are placeholders. Until both get officially priced, this really has no meaning.

[Thunderhawkxbox]

Every website in uk taking pre order for ps4 and Xbox one I know it's really hurtful for Sony fans hearing Xbox doing better lol

[Hello_World]

I don't believe this means very much at this point. After E3, it will say a lot more.

[Psn800]

This is Microsofts way of spin doctoring the web .

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Retilers like Sears Kmart Targets Walmart Best Buy Fry's Electronics Wlmart ect....well anyway this is awesome news for th xbox one.

[IRetrouk]

Not one of those is in the uk lol

[Ilovetheps5]

Literally none of those retailers are taking preorders on the consoles yet. Preorders don't matter. I'm one of the 500,000 people who preordered a Wii U at Gamestop (yes that's Gamestop alone), and that console isn't doing so well sales wise. So, preorders rarely matter. But even if they did, wouldn't we wait to see how many preorders the big chains get instead of the mom and pop stores (and Game even though it's not in US)

[ltachiUchiha]

E3 will see where most ppl's money will go. Right now sony has the core base in its favor, this is the gamers u want to attract 1st when launching a new system because they are the die hards who buy consoles at launch. If u really think the casual gamers will be sitting outside waiting for a $500 console then test your fate at e3 & leave the core base unhappy, u will see bad sales for a while.

[MikeMyers]

You're right, we still have months to go before any of these even ship to retailers. We also haven't even heard the full story of what each system will offer, what all the games will be and more importantly the price. There is also no confirmation what regions they will come out in this year.

I think it's a bit silly to be pre-ordering any of them until we know more.

Sony needs to do better in North America and Microsoft needs to do better pretty much everywhere outside of North America and the UK. We'll see who changes peoples perspectives more.

[ltachiUchiha]

See the thing is, sony has done it before in the US with the original playstation & the ps2 & I can see it happening again but it will have to compete from now on to win the US over. The real question is can microsoft win over japan? Its still yet to be known.

[MikeMyers]

"The real question is can microsoft win over japan?"

Short answer, no. Not unless the Xbox One surprises us all and becomes a must have device where Japan will eventually jump onboard as well like they did with the ipod. Right now the big black box probably doesn't seem to appealing to them just by the sheer size of it.

[JokesOnYou]

No its not really revelant if micro can compete in Japan I mean basicly they werent even a factor in Japan with 360 and still manage to tie ps3 up until now with all the new consoles announced. So that would suggest to me if they can just simply improve in Europe outside the UK, continue there strong presence in the UK, and of course have a similar gap like this gen in the US, then Japan doesn't matter, any minor gains there would just be a moral victory. I have no doubt they will have similar success in the US & UK, as for the others Im not sure.

[rainslacker]

I personally would preorder a PS4 now without knowing about the software(which luckily we already know a lot) or price. Sony has never let me down. I'd rather have it lined up and ready to go, because it's possible to cancel a pre-order if you don't want it after other information comes out.

[MikeMyers]

I think I'm going to wait on both systems. They all seem to have their growing pains in the beginning. Online issues, limited software, online services not ready at launch and so on. I still have quite the backlog of games to play on my PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. Gt6 will also keep me busy for months.

[Prcko]

24 hours after Xbox One’s reveal last week the total number of pre-orders it received for Microsoft’s machine outstripped the total number of PS4 pre-orders :OO

[project_pat36]

Yet halfway through the Microdick's announcement Sony's stock jumped 9%

[gamertk421]

Due to rumored plans to split Sony. Read some financial news for a change.

[PraxxtorCruel]

Bitter are we?

[SlavisH2]

sony stock has dropped back down to 20.10 a share. sorry back in your hole, lol.

[GameCents]

That sounds like it was written in anger or with tears streaming. I don't like the X1 but come on people, facts are facts.

[EasilyTheBest]

Its madness this site, even this good news for the One and you still have ppl trying to down play it.
What next...
60% of ppl prefer the deeper black color of the One controller too the PS4s.
Yea but its to do with what lighting you are viewing the controller under.

[Muerte2494]

*No retailers have been specified
*There are no hard numbers to compare
*They've admitted to only speaking to some retailers
*never disclosed whether the retailers included online shops

People can easily counter this claim with this

http://www.gamespot.com/twi...

Look at UK numbers. Out of 1,317, 1,172 are planning on getting a ps4. This is compared to only 144 getting Xbox One @ twitter. These are just showing intent but it at least has some numbers to go by. I must say it's looking pretty blue out there.

[plaZeHD]

Have pre orders already started?

[Bennibop]

Funny that as pre orders for PS4 only just opened today on Amazon. So not really superised as X1 started last week!

[skydragoonity]

Take a chill pill until after E3

[GribbleGrunger]

This is rather baffling and bizarre news but good news none the less ...

[harrisk954]

What pre-orders on the PS4? I don't know anywhere where you can pre-order the PS4. Amazon and Game Stop are asking for your email to alert you as to when they will start taking pre-orders on both the PS4 and Xbox 1. If there are stores that are taking Xbox 1 orders (such as Blockbuster)does anyone know if they are also taking PS4 pre-orders? Perhaps that is why the Xbox 1 has more pre-orders!

[Jek_Porkins]

That's impressive because most "experts" said the Xbox One was a more American console, so if it outpaced PS4 sales in less than a week, that's a good sign. It also apparently broke pre-order records at the Blockbuster site/stores.

It's nice to see people actually excited about new hardware for a change.

[ExPresident]

Breaking sales records at Blockbuster is a joke. The store is on its last legs. I highly doubt it would take much to be considered a record there.

[project_pat36]

Agreed. In fact, Blockbuster is a joke period. We had several around town here and every single one has since closed because Netflix and Gamefly are just too hard to compete with.

[sync90]

Blockbusters is the last place i'd pre order

[ExPresident]

@ Jek_Porkins

No, no I wouldn't be impressed. Any body, besides a movie claiming killer sales from Blockbuster is looking for a quick easy headline, just like this article did with the XBox One.

I'd laugh just the same if someone did it with the PS4 from Blockbuster.

[jp_footy2]

On google uk:

Pre order ps4 - 16.3 million results

Pre order xbox one - 162,000 results

Microsoft probably paid them to say this like they did with the crowd to clap.

[project_pat36]

that means nothing. if I go on google uk and search one porn actress sure it might bring up 24m results, while googling another may yield only 180,000.

Pre order ps4 - 16.3 million results (meaning 16.3 links to sites talking about preorders, such as N4G)

Pre order xbox one - 162,000 results (meaning 180k links to sites talking about preorders and actual sites that do preorders or may do preorders )

Those are just hit numbers

[gamertk421]

Rationality not allowed here.

[saint_seya]

Stopped reading after 162,000 = 180k...

[LightofDarkness]

They didn't pay the crowd to clap, the people who were clapping were actual MS employees. Ones who likely get paid to do much more important things, but I'm sure they were quite proud of their company's achievements. Putting them in the back meant automatic claps, yes, but they weren't just paid seat-fillers.

MS don't need the help here either, the UK and Ireland are very much Xbox countries. A lot of the younger generation would've had 360s and COD as they came of age and can now afford to buy the next box themselves, and they likely make up enough to put XBone over the edge. There's no denying that the 360 has been more popular among the kids in the last few years, because that's where everyone plays COD.

This might not last, but don't expect it to swing around prior to release. It will likely receive more pre-orders in the UK and Ireland than the PS4 in the end, but that's no indicator of lifetime sales. Wait and see how it plays out; Microsoft have given themselves a marvelous opportunity to shoot themselves in the foot with their anti-consumer BS.

[Bathyj]

Well I know what House would say.

[harrisk954]

What?

[ovhaum]

Sarcoidosis? no?

Lupus then.

I'm really curious though. :)

[Bathyj]

Its never Lupus

[Bathyj]

Ok, ONCE it was Lupus.

[EffectO]

X1 managed to get more preorders in one day than PS4 in few months.

Impressive.

[Edito]

That only show how dumb the UK gamers are... sorry UK gamers but pre-ordering the Xbox One it's just too much for me at this point after a conference with only 2 games shown...

[Jdoki]

I've seen far more adverts for XBOne pre-orders than I did for PS4 orders after their respective events.

I wonder if this is another case of MS throwing marketing money around.

Within minutes of the XBOne announcement the front page of GAME's website was all about pre-ordering, it was similar on Shopto.net. I think even Amazon.co.uk had a page dedicated to it.

As I walked past a bricks and mortar GAME store today I saw a (poorly) hand made sign advertising XBOne pre-orders. Nothing about PS4.

Info on PS4 pre-orders is not as prevalent. I would imagine that Sony are waiting until E3 to announce price and launch date, at which point pre-order schemes will ramp up - but it's a smart move by MS to get in early.

[Astargatis]

It seems that someone wants a console with DRM and used games fee or someone wants a console to watch television...

[Bennibop]

PS4 has not been officially made available for Preorder. Xbox one is!! Any company taking preorders for PS4 have been guestimating price and launch date and have not recieved any official marketing from Sony. Amazon has only just started taking PS4 preorders today at £599. These figures will not mean a thing until official launch at E3.

[harrisk954]

Amazon in the U.S. is not taking PS4 pre-orders. In fact, both the PS4 and Xbox One have "sign up to be notified when this item becomes available" on their respective pages.

[Dark_Overlord]

Considering they wont name the retailers (though they should, but prob wont as it'll most likely be small retailers), i'll leave a reputable retailer and what they say

http://www.thesixthaxis.com...

[saint_seya]

Dont use facts with sources, you may hurt jek_porkins feelings.. Let people enjoy this "news without sources that seem legit".

[DiRtY]

I preordered the Xbox One at amazon.de but might switch to another smaller and unknown retailer, because I prefer to support the middle seized businesses instead of thos major companies.

[Evil_Ryu]

sony can't afford to lose PS4 success is crucial and could make or break them

[sway_z]

First and foremost...the PS4 official pre-order scheme hasn't even started, just a pocket of individual retailers are taking Pre-orders in limited regions. XB1 started 'official Worldwide' pre-orders several days ago on Champions League Final day and used a Third Party game to do it.

See now, had the the XB1 had a decent showing...I would believe all this fabricated confidence building media trash...you expect me to believe, despite showing hardly any games, and with all the confusion...millions of people are pre-ordering it anyway?...Microsoft spin doctors must think gamers are stupid.

If you use the right side of your brain instead of the left, you will see this is damage control designed to make the XB1 appealing in light of a terrible reveal. You should expect MS to do this as they've had the worst PR since RROD. It's a clever tactic, and it is trying to build confidence and make you believe all is good in camp Xbox.

Poli-Tricks! dear Watson....and we should not buy it for a second!

[horndog]

And thats not even with showing games. After e3 it will take off never looking back. The xbox will attract more casuals and e3 will bring the hardcores back into the game. Cant wait for mine

[ACESupERIC]

I think ebay is gonna be busy as hell as soon as these things launch. I have a few friends who are preordering and camping out to buy as many as they're allowed to with no intentions on keeping any. They're not even gamers! They just think this launch will be like the last couple and they can make some money. I know there are more a-holes out there doing this same B/S and it pisses me off when people do it. I need to get new friends :(

[HD_GAMER1989]

funny thing is i bet the uk wont even get the dvr support at launch. some people are plain stupid pre ordering a console with no games announced yet. not to mention the ps4 has not even been fully announced yet. pure fanboys at their finest. be fan of technology not a brand.

[FITgamer]

It depends some cable providers aren't supporting M$. Im pretty sure that they said the cable features would only be supported in the US at launch and 30% of Americans won't be able to use the services.

[sjaakiejj]

It'll be interesting to see people's response when they find out that all the functionality that Microsoft pitched at their conference won't be available for the UK.

[mediate-this]

Look at the numbers at the end of console generation, it grows a bit each gen, but you see the numbers shift in favor to a company each gen, and some gens companies dominate.

Gaming is growing, wii did 90plus mil ps3 and 360 are about 75plusmil which is up from total console sales from the previous gen.

[headblackman]

the Xbox will do the same here in America. the Xbox is the #1 console in the US and that will never change.

[Supermax]

True story

[Flames76]

This is nothing new and it will be the same way in america.Xbox dominated the PS3 this gen and it will do the same next gen.

[Ares90]

I'll wait for the prices. That is, after E3 (most possible date).

[inFAMOUS_KRATOS]

this is false story, is all damage control.

you would be suprised-

the british gaming media very ignorant.

i was reading on fifa 14 forum and most them seem to already chosen xbox over ps4, " the controller looks great " bout the only thing you see from them.

[Cosmo811]

I didn't even know pre-orders were up for the PS4 yet!

[leogets]

wow there really must b a lot of TV enthusiasts,sorry, lazy TV enthusiasts.....

[Ck1x]

I don't know about this! I think Sony could very well price themselves out of the console business... The PS4 must be an instant success, but how does Sony plan on fighting a company with Microsoft's amount of cash on hand? People can't say with games, because Microsoft is throwing 1Billion$ at new games alone. It just seems like a game of poker here and I'm not so sure that Sony is sitting at the right table at the moment. Has nothing to do with the PS4 being an amazing system or not! Many companies have created great hardware in the past that has sold far less than even less capable hardware just from marketing alone. The DRM thing is having a negative effect on the Xbox Ones initial reception, but if the 360 was able to push through the RRoD situation, then this is nothing! What I'm worried about is how it will effect Sony that they didn't just come out and state how the overall guidlines of DRM will work on their system. Just stating that its up to the developers sounds like a cop out move and could be assumed that most 3rd parties games will use the technology in some form...

[Clarence]

UK please. Xbox 1 can have the UK. The PS4 will get the rest of Europe just like the PS3 did this gen.

@ck1x
Yeah ok. The PS3 cost more than the 360 yet it outsold the 360 WW. In fact the PS3 was the fastest selling HD console, and that's with a higher price tag.

This is the second time M$ console had ended up in last place.
So now with the third Xbox their going to try and outsell the Playstation by making the Xbox into a cable box.

[jimbobbeers]

Microsoft would be quite happy to take the first and second biggest gaming markets in the world (US & UK) again.

[Clarence]

You mean US and Europe. The UK is part of Europe and currently the Playstation easily outsells the Xbox in Europe.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/w...

So M$ can have the Uk Sony has the rest of Europe. Which is why the PS3 has outsold the 360 this gen.

[jimbobbeers]

No I mean the UK. I did say that, fool.

[Ippiki Okami]

High preorders don't really mean anything. UK retailers were saying the same thing with Wii U preorders and look how its been selling since then.

http://www.parupedia.com/wi...

[stuntman_mike]

he probably asked at his local ASDA or TESCO.

[BlueDodger323]

Idk how you people are pre ordering PS4's already but I tryed at gamestop and they wont let me. I'm going to fully purchase my reserve as soon as they give a date.