PS5 Sales Expected to 'Significantly Outperform' Xbox Series X, Says DFC Intelligence

Games industry research firm DFC Intelligence believes the PlayStation 5 will outsell Xbox Series X by a 2-to-1 margin, though Microsoft's long-term plan could pay off beyond consoles thanks to Game Pass and Project xCloud.

[ccgr]

More exclusives = more sales

[SegaGamer]

To be honest, even without the exclusives, I think Playstation would outsell Xbox. Playstation just has a longer and more successful history with gamers.

[Mr Pumblechook]

Microsoft is in a difficult place; on one hand it has announced this super powerful games console the Xbox Series X. On the other hand it has signalled that its moving away from hardware and is prioritising it’s cloud gaming service. Sure cloud gaming will play a big part in the future of gaming, but Sony entered this market too early with its PS Now service, is Microsoft alienating gamers by doing the same?

[darthv72]

My money is on the Amico to beat them both.

/s

[NeoGamer232]

Agreed. The only surprise would be if PS5 did not outsell XSX.

[_SilverHawk_]

Playstation is the future and the future is Playstation. Ps5 day one

[Android]

Agreed. I do think the sole reason they have been successful is due to their exclusive titles. That's the history we gamers share with Sony.

[bouzebbal]

Lol I think it'll be easy worse than this gen for xbox.. There is 0hope around their console..
Yes x1 had DRM, but still had decent and appealing exclusives at launch

[badz149]

Playstation as a brand has only like 5 to 6 years headstart compared to xbox. You were saying it like PS has a very long legacy like Nintendo

[indysurfn]

Come on Microsoft! When I think of services I dont think of machines.

[PeaSFor]

Ouya will destroy them all.

Not.

[Shezgear]

Badz

Nintendo has like 5-6 years of headstart compared to Sony.. MS is not even close to Sony

[343_Guilty_Spark]

@Mr Pumblecock

Where have they signaled they are moving from hardware?

[ThinkThink]

One is pushing consoles, the other is pushing services. The company pushing consoles will sell the most consoles.

[GunHoCharlieA1]

I think both are pushing the same thing, so Microsoft's effort in power shouldn't be disregarded. We should agree Microsoft efforts is unnecessary but they can afford to compete on all fronts I guess. So the company pushing best exclusives sell and also getting lucky too.

[anast]

Yeah, like xbox is going to release a console with the intention of no one buying it.

[spambot0815]

why putting effort into developing games when you can drop some microcash onto tiktok? ;-)

[Marquinho]

In Japan, yes. In the US, no way.

[Ron_Danger]

Are you talking about exclusive games in response to the first comment or console sales based on the article?

Either way you’re gonna have a bad time... especially after glancing at your comment history 😬

[rainslacker]

It's not like the us customer base is enamored with xbox. They had less margin of difference from other countries this gen, but it still was a pretty significant margin.

Not sure why you believe the us customer base will just change their preferences because MS is releasing a new console.

[Marquinho]

@Ron_Danger

I'm talking about sales. I don't expect PS5 so "significantly" outperform Series X in the US. Japan is lost though and in Europe that's much more likely to happen.

These guys are basically saying that the next generation will perform roughly the same as this one, in which Xbox One gave away 3 years. That's plain absurd, and we will know soon enough.

https://cdn.wccftech.com/wp...

I really don't care about votes or downvotes btw, as long as discussions are carried with respect.

[CaptainHenry916]

Especially since CD project red has confirmed they're not putting Cyberpunk on gamepass

[Godmars290]

Better release consistency = more sales

[Zeref]

Not really. Playstation just has more reach now. Even without exclusives PS5 would outsell Xbox

[Pretentious]

Their announcement of Fable has me intrigued, will probably buy an Xbox. But you can bet your ass I'll be buying a PS5 first.

[RazzerRedux]

"By comparison, DFC Intelligence mentioned Sony to be focused on 'short-term sales' rather than long-term vision, and with tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google and Samsung still largely out on the fringes of the games industry market, Microsoft may have to compete more with Nintendo than Sony in that regard."

Huh? Microsoft will have to compete more with Nintendo than Sony in what regard? Someone explain this to me.

[Sophisticated_Chap]

This is why the analysts get paid the big bucks /s

[RauLeCreuset]

Right? If I didn't know better, I'd say it looks like they just copied this gen's sales gap for their next gen forecast.

[kayoss]

Compete for second place.

[SullysCigar]

Oh yes, I see that now.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

Is there money in second place? Is everything a zero sum game?

[stuna1]

If I remember Microsoft said themselves that Sony and Nintendo were not competition. Instead Google and Apple were. Me being frank! For someone they're not competing against....they sure have a lot to say about what they're doing.

[caddytrek]

Remember "Microsoft doesn't care if you buy their console"

[ElementX]

"Microsoft doesn't care if you buy their console" is something journalists came up with, there is no quote from MS saying they don't care.

[Koolaidude]

In cloud gaming. I swear PlayStation fans are the dumbest based on all the agrees 🤦🏾‍♀️.

[stuna1]

@Koolaidude

The name fits you, because you're drinking it! Don't call people dumb because you like wearing blinders we can't help the fact that your as gullible as you are.

[ChristopherJack]

Taking a wild guess here(not my thoughts): they expect Microsoft's approach to eventually pay dividends a few decades away where Sony's more traditional approach may not be able to compete in the same way yet they expect Nintendo to continue well enough based on their cheap hardware, & adorable family friendly franchise icons.

[rainslacker]

If MS loses the interest of the console and PC gamer, then they aren't likely to get much out of their services which provide games which appeal mainly to console and PC gamers....although PC gaming is quite varied in terms of market make up and available games.

MS isn't going to capture the mobile markets by providing them with streamed versions of console style games. It's just a different market.

They can of course be successful there, but MS tends to want to dominate markets, not just be successful in them. If MS ends up not caring much about the PC or console market, then most of us here would just look at them the same way we look at things like Stadia or whatever that thing Apple has that most of us forget that they have because it's aimed at the mobile gamer market.

MS needs to find its audience, instead of assuming that the audience is just going to follow wherever it is they decide to go on whatever 5-10 year plan they make up at some feel good corporate board meeting ,that they eventually just drop because it's not doing anything for them.

[Atom666]

It's poorly worded. I think it's referring back to the prior paragraph regarding MS having broader audience on PC and Mobile?

Not sure I understand the full point being made even then though. But I will say that the short-term focus of Sony is relatively true. Their success in the traditional console business affords them the opportunity to stick it out for a lot longer than MS. They're ready for the inevitable next phase with Now, though.

Even though they have no service, Nintendo is in good shape for when that shift eventually takes hold. Their software and IP library leaves them in a great position to just turn into a huge 3rd party on mobile/pc/streaming.

[RazzerRedux]

I'm wondering if it was meant to be:

"Sony may have to compete more with Nintendo than Microsoft in that regard."

It would make more sense to me anyway.

"They're ready for the inevitable next phase with Now, though."

Agree. I think in the year after the PS5 launch we will see a PS Now reboot with its Azure back end.

[SierraGuy]

Can't...it makes no sense... everyone is a journalist today.

[rainslacker]

MS is trying to win the console market for the long term by focusing their efforts on another market. Seems like a good way to set up future success in the market your trying to win by marginalizing it for different markets. Worked out pretty well for mobile gaming which was going to kill everything else.

[SpaceRanger]

I’m confused how everyone is acting like MS is the first to stream games or even come up with the idea of having a lineup of studios making exclusives. And then how that puts them up against Amazon and Apple??

As it is MS has gotten spanked in the computer market, phone market and even software market. Recently Skype has gotten dropped by so many business in favor of Zoom and their online Office accounts are under investigation for compromised access to private user information.

And then their supposed TikTok buy is gonna be pushed on all platforms the way Cortana and Mixer was. All red flags honestly.

[SullysCigar]

Regarding your first point, this is what Apple do.

They'll market the hell out of a single ap (sometimes little-known, but available on iOS and Android for ages) and the masses say how amazing the new iphone is as it can even [insert ap function] and rushes out to buy it lol

It's quite scary how blinkered consumers can be, but I guess if they like what they see and are happy to hand their money over, it's not for us as the informed minority to p!ss on their chips!

[Koolaidude]

Apple really has fooled the masses and made an army of sheep.

[zackeroniii]

dislikes coming from casuals who actually like apple. apple is for boys. android is for men.

[kneon]

I remember years ago an iphone user I know was so excited about an app that could identify music just by listening to it. They didn't believe me when I said that I had an old Sony Ericsson phone that was doing that years before, they also didn't believe that the app was just using GraceNote on the back end, which at that time was owned by Sony.

[MajorPectorals]

Gaming is only 10 percent of Microsoft’s revenue. Their biggest competitors are google and amazon for cloud based services. You could say MS gets spanked when it comes to hardware, but MS is King of software and their stock and quarterly gains are proof of that.

For comparison Sony’s biggest money maker is their gaming sector at 25% of their revenue, and they actually use Microsoft’s Azure cloud for their streaming

I’m not a Xbox guy by any means, But this site has to much of a console war mindset. They don’t realize that Xbox is a small side bussiness for Microsoft.

[hiawa23]

I agree 100%. Some gamers are worst than the Republicans vs Dems, vs Liberals vs conservatives. Many of us are just gamers who have been gaming since the 80s and game on multiple platforms consoles, and this constant console fanboy stuff that goes on this site and others is really sad and a complete turnoff. I just want good unbiased video game information, who comes in 1st 2nd or 3rd don't care about. All the console manufacturers have something to offer, and my mentality is enjoy all of them. I hope they all do well, as that is better for all gamers. This site is constant cheer Sony bash anything MS, but hey, it is what it is.

[Zeref]

No legitimate business is using Zoom. I promise you. Businesses are ditching Skype for Microsoft Teams

Not sure how they're getting spanked either when they're posting huge profit every quarter 😂

Yall have no idea what you're talking about.

And can you link me to that compromised access to private information? I follow Microsoft news all the time, pretty sure you just pulled that out of your ass 😂

[343_Guilty_Spark]

I find Zoom to be awful. And it seems to only be good for large conferences. It also does not integrate well with other office apps?

[SpaceRanger]

Lmao have you tried MS teams? Funny enough Skype actually has more functionality than Teams does at its current state.

Their posting of profit doesn’t mean that they are doing well against the competition 😂 their surface lineup has struggled against most PC competition.

Link you? I’m sure you’ve found it. No need to act ignorant about it lol a third party security company just supported and helped them put out a security fix just this week. Try not to be so triggered by facts next time 😂 see ya.

[Cybermario]

well, no surprise there, like it or not exclusives bring sales.

[Sunny12345]

I dont think that xbox is even the competition now. Ps5 all the way

[Android]

We need them to be competitive. It'll keep Sony producing all these great products.

[BehindTheRows]

Sony will produce great products without Xbox.

[zeuanimals]

@BehindTheRows: Don't be naive. Without competition, they won't see an immediate reason to strive for the best of the best that's designed to beat something else. They'll design a great product that won't have that extra oomph that comes from guessing what the competition's gonna do and how they're gonna counter it. Maybe they'll even eventually tone down the quality of their products because, where else you gonna go? It's not like all of Sony's properties are treated well either, even with competition. Mismanagement of Playstation is very likely, especially without competition.

[BehindTheRows]

@zeuanimals

I said nothing about competition. I said Sony can, and would, produce great products without Xbox (lest we forget the PS1 and 2 were created before we ever had an Xbox). "Mismanagement" is happening, but it isn't with PlayStation.

Thus, the naivety is with you.

[zeuanimals]

@BehindTheRows: How is "Sony will produce great products without Xbox" not about competition, or the lackthereof? And Sony had competition with the PS1 and PS2, did they not?

[BehindTheRows]

@zeuanimals

Um, again, you harp on Xbox...

-They can have competition and it not be Xbox.
-They can produce great products without Xbox.

This isn’t complicated.

[ChristopherJack]

Right. Now where did well of you want your Poms Poms?

[caddytrek]

I think 2:1 is being generous to Microsoft, they have been outsold by Sony 3-4 to 1 month after month for years. And the gap by which they are outsold on a yearly basis has grown as well.

And I just don't think their strategy of putting their games on PC is a winning strategy for selling consoles. Much less what ever is left of the cross gen plan they had.

[Father__Merrin]

Microsoft will sell less consoles than what they have sold xbox 1

[darthv72]

maybe... maybe not. They sold double the og xbox and more than half of the 360. And did so without any major hardware issues that caused people to buy multiples.

[caddytrek]

darthv72

And by not reporting any verifiable sales data.

[kayoss]

If most games will be available on PC, there is no need to buy the next Xbox console. The only reason why Microsoft is releasing a console next gen is because they know that not everyone are ready to transition to streaming video games only. Similar to how not everyone is ready to go all digital (therefore they're released a digital and physical disk version of the console). In a way, if their game pass dont pan out next gen, they at least have the console to lean on. Thats just what i think Microsoft is doing.

[ChristopherJack]

If all PS5 games were on PC, would you still get a PS5? There's numerous reasons why someone may prefer a console over PC beyond exclusives.

Stability, affordability, consistency, less cheaters, controllers.

[northpaws]

@ChristopherJack

I have been playing consoles exclusively for many years, but if a powerful PC means I can play all PS games, xbox games and PC games in one single machine... I probably won't get a PS5 as well.

My only concern would be performance, so if PS5 games are not optimized on PC at all, then of course PS5 all the way.

[ILostMyMind]

@ChristopherJack
I wouldn't.

[darthv72]

2:1 is doable. Right now the PS4 doesnt lead the XBO by 3-4:1. It is about 2.3:1. For it to be even 3:1 it would have to be a total of 120m : 40m and that isnt what it currently is. It is 112m : 48m.

Despite what people think of the sales of the xbo... its still selling and like that little engine that could. Even if the end of the gen is 120m : 50M that is still only 2.4:1 in terms of ratio. A far cry from when the PS2 (155m) outsold the og xbox (24m) by a margin of 6.45:1

[caddytrek]

**month after month**

Not total.

And if you go by AMD's estimates of chips sold to Microsoft it would appear that vgchatzs is over tracking xbox by as much as 7 million.

[MajorPectorals]

Ms isn’t trying to sell consoles just their software platform. Why? Because it’s way more profitable. In the past week grounded, flight simulator, and the MCC have remained in the stop five most popular games on the steam store.

I’m willing to bet MS will sell even less consoles than last gen, but revenue will increase since they have eliminated the hardware that they would sell at a loss. From now on we can’t judge the success of PlayStation and Xbox by the number of consoles, but by each platforms revenue.

[Futureshark]

Now MS are putting Xcloud and gamepass on Android, there really is zero point buying a series X.

I can sideload that app onto my TV, and then stream Halo Infinite in 4K with my fast broadband, paying $1 for the privilege.

PS5 on the other hand is trying to innovate and push new experiences, exactly what I want and expect from a new generation, not be told I should expect the same old stuff over again.

[darthv72]

FWIW... xcloud IS gamepass. MS is just making them all one big service. So gamepass on android is what we have now with the xcloud beta. You still need a console or PC if you want to do they other half of gamepass... the downloadable new releases. But if you just want to stream them then you can do that on the phone/tablet/pc/console with the xcloud half.

[ElementX]

Streaming 4k games will never be better than playing locally, people will try it out and see that it sucks. I think streaming a few minutes here and there might be ok, but I don't think millions of people are going to sign up for Ultimate and stream 8 hours at a time. Isn't xCloud 720p right now? That may run ok but I doubt performance will be great if they bump it to 4k. Shooters are usually the top selling games and those wouldn't work very well

[darthv72]

Not sure about resolution, but then again streaming to my console is not something i have done in the beta. I've only done the xcloud streaming from their servers to my phone. I know there is also the ability to stream from my console to my phone as well which is basically remote play. That works cool too.

I figure if Im going to be playing on my console, I will be using the download side of gamepass or play my own games. Also, streaming 4k movies will never be better than watching them locally but for most its about the convenience more than anything else.

[ElementX]

Can you stream to your console? I didn't know that was an option.

[ABizzel1]

It's 720p with an TBD update to 1080p eventually.

[Sitdown]

What are the innovations and new experiences you see Sony pushing?

Right now people will iPhones don't have the option, not everyone has reliable internet, shall I go on regarding how ridiculous that premises is? If given the option, would you prefer to regularly game on a phone?

[Edgelordsupreme]

They're fanboys, expecting them to have a reasonable outlook on a console launch is a fools errand. "PS5 on the other hand is trying to innovate and push new experiences" like I hate to say it, but it kinda sounds like he's just reciting marketing no? I am curious though I would love to know what new and innovative experiences I've had on the playstation that I haven't seen on other platforms.

[DFresh]

More like 3-1 margin after that conference.
Though I am interested in Avowed, Fable and Halo Infinite on PC.

[Father__Merrin]

Almost everyone who has a ps4 will want a ps5. The games will be spectacular mabey not even any pc game won't look as good plus you have the new controller the overall gameplay experience will be better on ps5

[nowitzki2004]

Get em soldier.

[Flan]

PlayStation brand is more than enough

[C-H-E-F]

This isn't even news, news is if the tables were turned. On another topic, the Switch has been outselling the PS2, and is on track to being the fastest selling console. (Plot twist)

[kayoss]

The only way the Switch can outsell the PS2 is if they can meet demands. It seems that the Switch are sold out and are in short order right now.

[SullysCigar]

While it's impressive, Nintendo handhelds always sell like hot cakes. Odd comparison imo.

[Edgelordsupreme]

Its a console, go be a pedant elsewhere.

[SullysCigar]

^ go ahead, call me a pedant for stating facts you'd rather not acknowledge, 'Edgelord' lmao

[Edgelordsupreme]

No you're actively trying to dismiss the Switch, based on the hybrid approach they took. The Switch is Nintendos home platform, it has a chance of outselling the PS2, however unlikely that may be long term.

You see, you cant call something a fact so it fits into your argument. As always you and the people like you are more interested i hashing out your little fanboy war. You don't care about the medium, the business or the art you're just a teenager with a very limited and narrow viewpoint on everything. Hopefully Highschool starts up in September, you seem like the kind of kid who probably needs to be bullied.

[SullysCigar]

^ lmao, I gots me a keyboard warrior. Fwiw, bullies (like you're trying with me right now) don't worry me in the slightest.

Here's another fact: I could play my psp on the TV and my Vita. So they're consoles too, right?

I can play my Xbox on my phone. Omg my phone's a console! Let's look at phone sales and see how they stack up with Switch in your little numbers game, shall we? Lol you wouldn't sleep for weeks with worry.

[Edgelordsupreme]

You're obviously touched, and being needlessly obtuse to prove your tenuous point. The PSP 2000, Vita and Xcloud obviously aren't the same thing maybe if the PSP and Vita were the only platform Sony had then you would have something. Like you want to tell me I'm sick with worry yet you were the one willing to argue semantics to downplay how successful Nintendo has been with the Switch? I mean really? How dense are you?

Hey I get it, if you argue hard enough maybe Sony will notice you like your father never did. You're a 20 day old account that just regurgitated fanboy dribble. You're what makes discourse surrounding video games insufferable and the sad part is its all predicated on brand worship. What a sad way to live.

[CBaoth]

So was the Wii after 3 years. How'd that turn out?

[caddytrek]

Huh? Wii dropped off pretty hard but not before being the best selling console of that generation. If Switch only matches Wii's success I think Nintendo will be ecstatic.

So to answer your question, really good?!?

[C-H-E-F]

@CBaoth
You do know that the Wii won the PS3/360/Wii console war right? LMAO

[CBaoth]

you didn't even answer my question dumbass. Yes I know the Wii won the 7th gen. Apparently you missed the memo - the Wii sold the most units EVER during its first 3 years on the market, of ANY console! It finished 56 million behind the PS2. Guess judging by your screen name I'll have to S-P-E-L-L things out for you

[moriarty1889]

better supported console every gen with better and more exclusives. Playstation is more of a hardcore console with dedicated first party games that are consistently made and supported. MS under Phil has become a box with a service subscription and no true exclusives anymore.

[crazyCoconuts]

I think we still need the rest of the picture before predictions have any weight- get the prices and features out on the table

[kayoss]

Well, if you look at both track records, Sony have pretty much proved themselves. PS3 was the worst launch console in Sony's history and yet they manage to outsell the Xbox360 which was released 1 year ahead. PS3 was priced at $600 bucks. I think we are underestimating gamers. If a system fail to impress at the beginning but if they change their course and begin to support and listen to gamers. Gamers will stand behind that system.

[darthv72]

"If a system fail to impress at the beginning but if they change their course and begin to support and listen to gamers. Gamers will stand behind that system." sounds like what is happening with the xbo. How it got so close to 50m with such a bad launch and hardly any 1st party support is really anyone's guess but it must have done something right. It still continues to roll on down that track.

[rainslacker]

@Darth

Xbox is changing, but is it actually impressing? At least relevant to the X1?

More so, did it do so soon enough, and with enough interesting stuff to turn things around in time. Outside BC, and later game pass, most of the positive vibe surrounding xbox had been about what's coming in the future. BC has limited appeal to the larger audience, and is practically meaningless after a couple years on any significant measure. Game pass, while an amazing value, is maybe something that will be more appealing as people look at next gen, but for now, probably isnt driving console sales in any significantly measurable way.

[WillyC009]

If anyone thinks Xbox is going to be competitive outside of the US & UK market, I’ve got ocean front property I’d like to sell them in North Dakota. PM me for details.

[MEGANE]

But guys if you want to play halo infinity u need to buy.... oh wait nm.
I forgot u can play it on android phones... so u dont need all those teraflops after all.

[Ristul]

Those teraflops are useless if games like Halo are going to look like highres xbox 360 games.

[Elda]

Not surprising at all. PS has always been about selling consoles & software & it seems that direction will be taken next generation. As of now there's no need to buy an XBSX knowing most current software from MS can be playable on the S & the X including phones & labtops. It seems as of now the Xcloud streams only in 720p & later possibly 1080p it hasn't stated it'll be streaming in any resolutions higher than 1080p to 4k.

[DarthSocio]

Haven't owned a console since the 360. It's PS5 all the way this time round.

[Vanfernal]

PS5 Sales Expected to 'Significantly Outperform' Xbox Series X, Says *anyone with* Intelligence.

Fixed.

[jznrpg]

Well it’s not hard to predict really . Just look at last gen and even more anticipation

[S2Killinit]

All I know is that the PS5 is a day one purchase for me because I want to enjoy it for the entire generation.

[stuna1]

No doubt in my mind! But I don't think it's just because Sony has the bigger fanbase. Right now Microsoft messaging is all over the place, especially concerning their console's as in plural.

Why buy a console when the makers of said console pushes the narrative themselves you don't need it???? To me this beyond ludicrous! You don't see Sony saying you don't need a console, though you can play their games on PC's, Phones and Tablets.

Personally Microsoft needs to fire their entire PR/Advertising division and start from scratch. Considering Microsoft marketing is in many aspects not much better than that of 2013.

[moriarty1889]

I agree. Phil needs to go. He has canned games they needed, closed studios and put their games on pc which has devalued owning their consoles. He is worse than Mattrick ever was imo. Mattrick delivered more games and never would have let the call,of duty marketing go. Phil is all about gamepass subs and doesnt give two shits about supporting consoles. His actions are proof of that. He would rather you play anywhere else just so he gets your subs. If he stays in charge they will go complete third party and be done with consoles. They cant sell them enough to remain competitive and to justify investing in them long term. Look how they hyped the one x and killed it off in 2.5 years. The guy has not done anything to help push xbox in the right direction since he took over. All he has done is make them less relevant than ever. The sales numbers and ms lack of even talking about them shows how meek they have become under him. No company but ms hides numbers or fudges them to spin their data and try to pass it on as legit. Pathetic but true.....just look at how they have done that this gen under Phil. No defending that type of pathetic behavior from a multi billion dollar corp.

[Edgelordsupreme]

When you're nine and have no idea what a paragraph is.

[darthv72]

I think you are seeing things how you want to see them instead of how everyone else sees them. MS are not saying you dont "need" the console. They are saying they have options for the type of player you are. If you dont have a console, we got you covered if you game on PC. And if you want to game on the go, we got you covered as well with xcloud. If you do game on console, good news is we got you covered with new releases. If you decide you want to upgrade to the SX, we got you covered there as well.

So MS has created options for the widest range of users possible.

[stuna1]

No buddy, I think that's you who see's things that they want to see! For 1) Who promotes day 1 releases to go to other platforms, especially when those othe platforms don't have the initial access requirements that your console has? Pertinent to PC's. Year's ago Microsoft flipped PC gamers the finger when it came to games and support, Now PC's get more support than their own console.

Microsoft is more focused on other platforms, that they are leaving their primary platform behind! Why do you hear so many people say "I'll just play it on PC"? Because the level of support in no longer tied into their console. And personally it's not about options the way people seem to view option, it optional in the way Microsoft stands to benefit more than they are now.

MAU's have a bigger meaning to investors than run of the mill people! But numbers are the determing factor when it comes to subscription, services and of course market penetration on multiple platforms, which is the reason Microsoft has stated you don't need their console, because they above everyone else already know the console is not performing well. So since the console not performing well focus resources in other platforms to keep numbers up

[darthv72]

MS ignored the PC like you said and when they decided to make the console and PC as equals is when you saw people who had capable PC say they will now play xbox games on PC. That is what MS was hoping would happen. Regardless of where you play, the fact is you are playing their games. Many dont play on PC, that is why there is a console. And many dont like the xbox console, that is why there is the PC.

Do you get it now??? Choice is never a bad thing. Even Sony knows there are PC gamers who would love to play their games and so they have slowly started letting some come over. Are you going to say that Sony is wrong for supporting PC players as well?

[rainslacker]

I think most people say theyll play it on PC to devalue the console hardware. I doubt most have much interest in all the games they say theyll play on PC, because if they were really that interested in MS games they probably would have brought an x1 console.

To me, on PC, MS is just another publisher. There is nothing remarkable about them, and the only reason they get so much attention on PC overall is because they are entrenched in the console war.

I'm fine with what MS is doing, and I do believe that some of their games would appeal to pc gamers and pc gamers will be fine buying them. But it's not like PC gamers are going around singing MS praises because they're publishing games there. That is simply a narrative and belief I see expressed as fact by console war rhetoric.

[SullysCigar]

If not more, I'd honestly expect, given all we know at the moment.

[Relientk77]

Yep this will be the case and it won't be surprising. We can all see this happening.

[ChristopherJack]

That's obvious even to someone like myself who intends to purchase an XsX over a PS5.

The PS4 had a significantly larger install base, have consistently released top quality, well reviewed exclusives & went into & out of last gen with a strong consistent message & a strong reputation.

All points Microsoft has failed in- though I'm an overly pragmatic guy & the XsX is slightly more suited to me, personally.

[ClayRules2012]

Well said. I'm a gamer who personally prefers/loves what PlayStation (always have) but I've owned Xbox's previously, and while its not my place to play, I genuinely hope you get some great fun & amazing gaming experences on offer to you come next gen with the Xbox Series X, buddy!

Have a great & blessed Sunday!

[Tex4242]

It's kind of obvious, but honestly does it matter. It's like people want MS to go out of business. Even tho MS only sold a little over 40 million consoles this gen, it's not like that's bad. I'm a gamer and I'd prefer all these companies do well and you support whoever it is you want, but I see no point in either "SIDE" dumping on the other. I play games on every system. If you can only afford one or you just prefer a certain system there should be no problem with that. We should all be playing where and how we want, but we should also be celebrating gaming as a whole. Next Gen here we come!

[ocelot07]

To be expected to be honest. Sony are keeping to traditional console gaming as are nintendo. While also dabbing into the streaming service (PS Now).

Microsoft just seem more interested in subscription service. Where they don't care if you buy a XSX or a XB1. Or if you game on PC or plan on streaming there titles to your phone or laptop or tablet or tv streaming box like a Amazon Fire TV or Nvidia Shield.

They just want you to subscribe to gamepass. Which is fine I just worry about the quality of the titles in 2-3 years time. If people are paying £1-£4 a month. Rather than paying £45 per game release. I can't see how they could substain making quality titles in future? Rather than basic live service games that rely on MT and build upon the game over the course of 12-24 months like Sea Of Thieves.

[iain04]

Even a toddler could predict this.

[cell989]

Microsoft has 10+years of bad history. So many anti consumer practices and lack of identity. How do they expect to keep up with Sony or outsell it? Like really, how?

[Phantom68]

No surprise there

[Pancit_Canton]

Xbox brand exist just for the lol. It's like tri-force. Someone needs to be on the bottom to balance the two.

[Parasyte]

Since PS4 has out sold Xbox almost 2:1 this gen and Microsoft hasn’t done enough (in my opinion) to convince people to buy a Series X, it wouldn’t surprise me.

[jairusmonillas]

Playstation is a global gaming brand. Xbox is just a US & UK gaming brand.

Playstation holds the whole Europe and the whole ASIA. lol

[TheTony316]

They've lost the UK. Xbox only has north america at this point.

[anast]

The people running Xbox are janky.

[chobit_A5HL3Y]

i mean, common sense can tell you the same thing lol

[YourMommySpoils]

Considering PlayStation is the only one showing great upcoming games, there's no other choice.

[Sunny_D]

The article says PS5 will be Sony’s 3rd 100 million selling console. PS1, PS2, PS4, and PS5 would make it 4.

[Spenok]

Sounds about right. If PS keeps up what they did this gen, they have literally nothing to worry about.

[PePe_PL]

Another Damage Control article.
""By comparison, DFC Intelligence mentioned Sony to be focused on 'short-term sales' rather than long-term vision, and with tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google and Samsung still largely out on the fringes of the games industry market, Microsoft may have to compete more with Nintendo than Sony in that regard.". There is no evidence towards such interpretation. Stadia had "vision" and it failed miserably. Same with Xbox One and it's "vision" about Kinect and TV. And why would they compete more with Nintendo? Nintendo is much more conservative and classic console maker than Sony. If they want to control.damage so badly, they shall just say that they compete with Stadia, so it will be easy to show they are winning.

[neomahi]

The interesting thing is, Europe actually listens to and observes what American gamers think in the gaming world and base their own interests off of what Americans think and the vast majority of Americans don't even like their own countries game console. They know Microsoft and can see through it all, Americans don't even like Microsoft so they've still lost even in their own country. But, lots of Americans don't even like Chevy, Ford, or Dodge. Americans still drive a LOT of VW and Toyota. Honda is still a big seller in the US, but is actually being taken over by Subaru. So, Americans don't even like their own countries console, but PlayStation, is, however becoming much more American than Japanese.

[rainslacker]

American's aren't beholden to "made in the USA" beliefs. They never were, even when that was a big thing back in the late 80's and 90's, when a lot of american products actually did suck pretty bad. Back then, a lot of american products were made in america. Now, a significant portion of american products are made outside the US.

When it comes to electronics, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a good number of US citizens wanting american made products....or even being able to list american companies that make such things.

For the most part, Americans are just going to buy what gives them what they want. If that's XBox, then they are doing it because it gives them the games or services that they want. Not because it's a US company.

As far as companies go, MS is not exactly high on the list of companies that Americans respect and want to buy products from. While some of that is just social indoctrination based on years of hearing about the big evil greedy corporation that steps all over the little guy, some of those ideas are based in reality. Outside of Xbox, you won't find MS fan boys going on and on for days on end in huge numbers, because they just don't exist.

[TheTony316]

As a european i can tell you that most people here never cared about Xbox. Not even last gen.

[Wotbot]

MS investment in first party studios makes them more appealing this time around, they have some nice 3rd party exclusives and timed ones, their services are better than the competition, all 3rd party games will perform better, they have a more powerful console at the start of the gen this time, they won’t be more expensive than the competition. Backwards compatibility is much better and all your xo accessories are compatible.

I do like the design of Sony’s new controller, still hate the locations of the analogue sticks, but the controller is the most exciting part of thier next gen offering, the SSD is super quick which is the only other thing going for Sony’s hardware. We all know their 1st party studios are top quality, there will be many sequels like with Xbox.

It’s not so clear cut as the beginning of the last gen.

[rainslacker]

MS could buy every top tier studio in existence, and it wouldn't matter to me until they show and release the games that they're going to have those studios make. While I will always look forward to games from those studios I like and respect, I'm not going to just buy games from them because they make them. If Naughty Dog made a F2P FPS in the vein of Destiny, I'd not even pay attention to it. As of right now, we have no idea how those games are going to turn out, and MS doesn't exactly have a winning track record of cultivating studios to top tier level. Historically speaking, they're more likely to close those studios when they start showing promise, when those new ideas end up failing in the market because MS can't seem to market anything that isn't in their core franchises.

If someone wants their services, why bother with the console? Doesn't matter if they're better, and that's subjective anyways. If MS games aren't enough to buy the console, why would a service which has those games make you want to buy the console?

Not all 3rd party games will perform better, any more than they did last gen, or this gen. That's all dependent on the developer, and the vast majority of devs put the bulk of their optimization into the console that has the highest sales.

We don't currently know the price of either console, but MS doesn't seemed too concerned if they are priced higher....regardless of how it sells in relation to their competition. Not sure why you assume that will change next gen. However, I do believe both consoles will be priced the same.

BC on XSX seems more limited to be honest. 360 BC is not full BC, and works the same as it does with X1, which they stopped adding new games to.

No one really cares about accessory compatibility and that would only be relevant to those who have an Xbox now....same as BC above.

It is pretty clear cut to me. MS seems intent on providing services over anything else. They've gone on record to state that they want more intimite experiences for games, and they're moving their biggest franchises MP to F2P models, to push those services. MS long term goal is no different than it was at the start of this gen, it's just wrapped up in a nicer, and admittedly better, package. But, they still didn't actually resolve their biggest criticism this gen. All they've done is shown signs that they may rectify it in the future.

[Wotbot]

You are underestimating the competition and thinking they are just a service provider and too easily dismiss their advantages.

Rare for the first time actually have an exciting prospect of a game which looks interesting, things have changed with MS which we will see next gen.

Also having the most powerful console at the start of the gen is a huge statement which helped PS4 have a great start even though the X1 had the better games for over all for the first 24 months.

[rainslacker]

I'm not underestimating anything Almost everything you stated has been proven to not be a factor this gen, and there is nothing that suggests it's going to matter for next gen.

Rare's new game isn't going to drive consoles. It's yet another artsy game which may very well be a great game, but isn't the kind of game that makes people go, "Oh, I need that console", or want to subscribe to a service to play it.

Having the most powerful console hasn't helped MS this gen, and in prior gens, the most powerful console is not usually the winner. In fact, the PS4 at the start of this gen was an anomoly being the most successful and the most powerful.

[TheTony316]

The majority of the world doesn't really care about Xbox, no matter what. I live in europe for example and most people here always buy Playstation over Xbox. The PS3 was outselling the 360 since launch at a much higher price. Only the UK was a strong Xbox market but that has changed.

[glenn1979]

🤔 dont you think price will be a factor? Lets say the XBOX is 100$ cheaper compare with the PS5 , people still going to buy PS5 right?or not?

[TheTony316]

maybe in the states. Worldwide? no. The PS3 outsold the 360 in europe even at a much higher price tag.

[CaptainObvious878]

I'd still buy a more expensive PS5 without a second thought.

Sony's support is proven, whereas it's clear MS wants to focus on game pass and their games are going to suffer as a result.

[glenn1979]

Maybe in the beginning but let see at the long run if the stragety of microsoft will pay out, either way cant wait for both console to see what they can offer, we know Sony will deliver thats fore sure 100% , but it will be very intresting if the new studio's what Microsoft bought begin to deliver some AAA quality game, cant wait for Sony or Microsoft

[Saijahn]

Microsoft been gave up the console wars. The only ones that still care are Sony people, weird.

Sony can sell all the hardware they desire, ME is in the business of software and they’re putting their games and services in the hands of hundreds of millions of players via Xbox, mobile, and pc combined.

112 million sales vs much more in actual players 🤷🏽‍♂️.

There’s a reason MS is a trillion dollar company and Sony playing catch-up in that regard.

[Destiny1080]

with those statistics, you'd wonder why xbox live is a ghost town

[rainslacker]

So, we can start treating MS as any other 3rd party publisher now?

I'm down for that.

As far as Sony playing catch up to MS' trillions....sure. But Sony isn't trying to match MS money from cloud, OS, enterprise, or productivity products....the thngs which make up about 90% of MS actual revenue and success.

[TheTony316]

MS should just pull a Sega and go full multiplat.

[Rockstar]

*reads headline

No sh!t.

[MEGANE]

No shit sherlock, xbox is given costumers a legitimate excuse to wait at least a year to get one.

[JesusBuiltmyHotrod]

This is like saying the sky is blue.

[SpineSaw]

”Games industry research firm DFC Intelligence believes the PlayStation 5 will outsell Xbox Series X"
Ummmm is there anyone on the planet that doesn't believe that? This is like common knowledge that everyone beleives.
I hope no one paid for that information.
On another topic I seen Apple denied Microsoft Xbox Xcloud access to the IOS platform and the Microsoft response was. "Apple is being anti-consumer". I thought is was a great move by Apple myself.

[MetroidFREAK21]

Getting both 🤷‍♀️

[sdplisken]

PS5 !!!

[NxtGenPS4]

PS4 Switch 2 PS5

[sprinterboy]

No shit sherlock

[RaiderNation]

Naturally. In other news, water is wet.

[Mr_Luke]

Mh... yes, i expect that too.

[Zeref]

Doesn't take a genius to figure that out. Doesn't mean it will be the better platform though 😉

[TechnoGoat]

That's cause MS wants you to buy into their service, they no longer care about selling you hardware. Make as much money from doing as little as possible, has always been Microsoft's way of doing things..

[Imortus_san]

If they launch a Series S at launch by 200€ they wont be outsold by 2:1 that's for sure.

[Knightofelemia]

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out Playstation is the right choice simple fact exclusives. PS4 has great exclusives that made the box stand out and the exclusives are great and fun to play I just wish God of War was on the announcement roster when Sony had their presentation.

[cyclindk]

I tend to agree with this whole premise, Sony will dominate and that Microsoft’s ultimate intention is to provide services over any given piece of hardware. Eventually Xbox will be a Stadia-like device with it, and PCs, having access to MS services.

[Kuma]

if you are lucky enough to afford it, I would play both.