PS5 & Xbox Series X|S Launch to Record Sales - Worldwide Hardware Estimates for Nov 8-14

Despite having a staggered launch over the course of two weeks the PlayStation 5 was the best-selling console with 1,483,910 consoles sold for the week ending November 14, according to VGChartz estimates.

The PS5 launched in North America, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea for this week. The PS5 had a bigger launch in North America, Australia, and New Zealand than its predecessor, the PS4, while it had a smaller launch in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.

Microsoft launched its next-generation consoles, the Xbox Series X and S, in 40 countries worldwide for the week. The consoles sold a combined 1,345,386 units worldwide in its launch week. This is a bigger launch than the Xbox One, which sold 1.1 million units in its first week, and is the biggest launch in Xbox history.

[SullysCigar]

Great figures all around and congratulations to Xbox and PS. But this is not quite as it seems:

"This is a bigger launch than the Xbox One, which sold 1.1 million units in its first week, and is the biggest launch in Xbox history."

The fact is, Xbox launched two (quite different) products - globally - this time around. Last time it wasn't a global launch and they only launched the One.

So this isn't as straightforward a comparison, but I'd expect last time was actually more successful (in pure numbers terms), putting aside the considerable challenges associated with the global pandemic.

In any event, it's still a strong achievement and they deserve credit for managing a simultaneous global launch for the first time.

[Chevalier]

Didn't VGchartz just have an estimated day 1 sales for PS5 at 2 - 2.5 million units only just 2 days ago? And now they're saying week 1 sales were only 1.5 million for PS5? 😆

Just making up numbers it seems.

[Nitrowolf2]

they did but these numbers are based on Nov 8 to 14, whereas that 2.5 figure is accounting both launch dates (Nov 12 and Nov 19). So it makes sense that these numbers would be lower since the second date is part of a new week

[BattleCat]

Didnt humans get a brain, europe isnt in this counting.... Really

Just speaking here withiout knowing anything it seems.

[ZeroBlue2]

Maybe read the article, lol.

[uth11]

Or revising their figures as more data comes in

[leejohnson222]

Yeah i read that, smells fishy just like digital foundry

[Jin_Sakai]

“PS5 Launch Sales Doubled the Xbox Series X|S“

New sales figures for Sony's PlayStation 5 show that the console sold double the amount of Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S upon launch.

https://www.cbr.com/ps5-lau...

[DJStotty]

That is the first 2 days comparison.

We are now 8 days later so the comparison of 1.1-1.4 against 2.1-2.5 will now be majorly incorrect.

So data is from :-

Series S/X - 12 and 13th November sales 1.1-1.4 million worldwide.

Sony PS5/PS5DE - 12 and 13th November sales (US & Canada, aus, nzealand, japan) 1.3-1.6 million sales
Sony PS5/PS5DE - 19 and 20th November sales (Europe and ROW) 800,000-900,000 sales

[DJStotty]

You could apply the "2 different products" analogy to the PS5 as well Sully.

Both released a digital version.
Both released a cheaper version.
1 is just less power, but essentially, both options from both manufacturers are targetting the same audience.

But let me guess, you are not going to split the PS5 vs PS5 DE sales figures are you?

Either way, the new consoles S & X combined, have outsold the xbox one, now if they just launched the X on its own, it would have sold the same as both combined, as only the hardcore get day 1, so if the S was not available, they would have got the X. So the sales figures, would still have been the same.

[SullysCigar]

"But let me guess, you are not going to split the PS5 vs PS5 DE sales figures are you?"

No, because that would be ridiculous. If the disc drive breaks on a PS5 it's still a PS5, just like the one without a disc drive - that's why both are called PS5. Tbh, this is by far the less important of the two points raised.

You didn't address the global versus non-global launch, which is probably the point worth discussing, seeing as this article is focusing on numbers.

The fact is Xbox one launched in USA, South America, Australia and a couple of European countries. It was almost a year later before it launched in the rest of the world.

The Series S and Series X just launched globally - in 40 countries - simultaneously, which makes the comparison rather pointless. The sales are great, but to say it was a greater success based on units sold is unnecessary spin. Why not take week one of Xbox One launch in all available territories and compare to week one of Series S and X global launch? Because it doesn't paint the desired picture, that's why.

The point worth celebrating here is that they pulled off their first ever worldwide launch in the middle of a global pandemic.

[outsider1624]

"But let me guess, you are not going to split the PS5 vs PS5 DE sales figures are you?"

No why would anyone do that. They're basically the same except for the disc drive.
But the X and S are really different. Why do you think when comparing games..Theres only PS5 and not PS5DE.
Look at Digital Foundry.. there's XSS vs XSX vs PS5.

[TheScotsman]

What are you on about DJSnotty? Ps5 is the same machine X and s is not. S is targeting people who don't know anybetter, where as All PS5's are for gamers and are as powerful, go blow your smoke somewhere else. And stop making crap up

[Atom666]

Well the Pro and vanilla PS4 are two different systems and they get counted together.

Switch and Switch Lite. Xbox One and One X.

All counted together.

But now it's an issue?

[DJStotty]

Exactly Atom666

Everyone is trying to split the figures of S and X, to make out that Series X is selling worse when compared to both iterations of the PS5, you can not do that.

@outsider

"Ps5 is the same machine X and s is not."

Well no, one does not have a drive, so not the same machine. Series S and PS5 DE are targetting the same audience, thus should be compared side by side. Just because one is weaker, you do not count them out of the equation to suit your narrative.

That is why we still compare sales between PS4, Xbox one, and switch.

@SullysCigar

"If the disc drive breaks on a PS5 it's still a PS5"

If the disc drive breaks on a Series X, it's still a Series X. Lmao you realize how silly you sound right?

"Why not take week one of Xbox One launch in all available territories and compare to week one of Series S and X global launch?"

You might not have done that, nor actually investigate your own point, because you will find that it has sold more than the xbox one. Your honestly trying to tell me that the original xbox one with its messaging and disastrous launch sold over 2 million worldwide in it's first 2 days?

[outsider1624]

@Snotty

Well you're half right in that. Both PS5s being counted as opposed to XSX. Seems unfair.

But..the reason im saying this is because of the specs. The PS5 specs are exactly the same except for the drive. While between the X and S, they're not only different with the drive but specs as well.

[DJStotty]

@outsider

"But..the reason im saying this is because of the specs. The PS5 specs are exactly the same except for the drive. While between the X and S, they're not only different with the drive but specs as well."

Sales stats are not determined by specs, but by the generation itself, Series S and X are the same generation, therefore both sales should be counted. If Microsoft want to split them as seperate sales, or combine them as a total is down to them. But you can not exclude sales of a console, from the same generation, to satisfy fanboy fantasies, to reduce the number of xbox's sold.

P.s. purposefully calling me Snotty, makes you come across as really immature, which would explain a lot.

[ArthriticPowers]

Sully sales don't matter as we all know, unless your platform of choice falls in a heap that is. Yeah we all know ps will outsell xbox substantially (bigger brand and huge marketshare) You say these stats mean jack shit but completely miss the reason why. Supply is the determining factor here. Not demand. Xbox could of sold in 3 regions and did the same numbers. Sony obviously the same plus some. If for some reason you were to put your shareholder hat on and give a shit. Regaining a snippet of marketshare and seeing a positive trend is all xbox would be hoping for. Its seems like they will probably achieve that. Solid launches for both platforms!

[SullysCigar]

The supply/demand factor is very much valid, but I didn't miss this point, I simply didn't revisit it. It's been discussed to death on here and most seem to agree that both companies played it a little too safe when it came to manufacturing - far too safe in Sony's case, but then we don't know if they (or MS) actually maxed out their production and were hampered by COVID-19.

[TheProblem]

Facts from SullysCigar

Nice work

[Shiken]

The Series X is selling as much stock as it has, and many pre orders have been pushed into 2021. Both the One and the PS4 could actually be found on store shelves in the US by January the following year. You are right, it is not a direct comparison. When supply is not meeting demand and still out doing what the other consoles did, it shows that BOTH new consoles are destroying their previous gen counterparts.

[SullysCigar]

Gaming has been on the increase throughout the past gen, but has exploded in 2020 for obvious reasons. That said, I'm still not seeing how Xbox numbers are confirmed as improved over the previous gen's launch, for the reasons I've outlined above.

Still great, in any event - and the increased demand due to the pandemic will snowball into 2021, as the masses will FOMO big time with all the excitement in the press lol

[Chevalier]

How so? Xbox Series X launched to 3 times as many countries compared to the Xbox One which only had 13 countries at launch. So no its not the same at all.

[Shiken]

@Chevalier

The achievement is how long they remain out of stock from constant sell out. The X1 and PS4 both replenished stock reletively fast, where the XSX and PS5 will see shortages into spring.

What puts the XSX ahead of the one is not the fact that it released in more countries, but the fact that it can only sell what is in stock. Given that the shortages are lasting longer and selling more overall, it is clear that if the supply could meet demand those numbers would be even higher.

[chiefJohn117]

XO was a global launch and technically Sony launching 2 different products too so you could say the same for them based on your logic but lemme guess, that don't count cause the goal post done moved once again lol

[SullysCigar]

No, XO was not a simultaneous global launch. Re-read my comment above - I've broken it down nice and simple. It released in two stages; stage one in November and stage two 10 months later, the following September. I thought Xbox was your subject?

The PS5 and DE are exactly the same, you choose based on your media preference. Hence why they're both called PS5 and there's no need to look at games on both, either one will do.

The Xbox has two completely different products (geared towards different ends of the market) in the Series S and Series X. Sure, they both play the same games, but if Toyota launched a small electric car and a huge 4x4 with a V8 the same day, are they the same car because they drive on the same roads? lol

It's less about whether they did better this time or last time and more about how the two launches are not directly comparable, unless you acknowledge the differences.

[neutralgamer1992]

I will wait for both sony and ms to officially announce the sales numbers. This is just taking guess we can't take VG serious when we want and other times make fun of them for showing favoritsm. Let's not forget last generation last both ps4 and xbox one did more than a 1 million in first 24 hours. My guess is right now ps5 is outselling xbox 2-1 and as long as sony can produce the consoles they could be close to or passing 5 million by end of the year. 2-1 now and 3-1 starting 2022 when some major blockbusters are released

The amount of hype/demand has overshadowed xbox launch in every key way possible. That's what happens when you launch a console without any major AAA exclusives. The best thing about your new console can't be the fact it can play old games

[chiefJohn117]

Ps5s are both not the same the DE is aiming for the same audience SS is. Thats why it's $100 cheaper and diskless. And based on your logic ps4 pro sells shouldn't be included in ps4s sells which is dumb logic and logic you didn't use till now.

[IamFrasierCrane]

PS4 pro didn’t launch simultaneously with the base PS4. It came out years later. There’s a huge difference there and you’re just ignoring it.

[chiefJohn117]

Why does it matter when it came out if you're counting sells for a console gen? See youre moving the goal post.

[Chevalier]

"Or revising their figures as more data comes in"

VGchartz doesn't have official numbers so how are these 'figures' coming in and where from?

[MrBelasco]

The PS5 has 2 versions as well.

[ArthriticPowers]

@ Sully
"The supply/demand factor is very much valid, but I didn't miss this point, I simply didn't revisit it. It's been discussed to death on here and most seem to agree that both companies played it a little too safe when it came to manufacturing - far too safe in Sony's case, but then we don't know if they (or MS) actually maxed out their production and were hampered by COVID-19."

Agreed, not on here often enough to to who has conversed on specific aspects of certain topics. Personally I believe both companies would of manufactured more consoles for launch if they were capable (and it remained feasible). Doubt they could get the estimates for demand so wrong. There are also rumours (I say again rumours) that could of slowed production to.

-Like xbox waiting on AMD for RDNA2 to be feature complete
-Playstation having yield issues on their GPU's

I can't stress enough that these are rumours. Just spit-balling a little.

[FallenAngel1984]

How’d XO outsell PS4 in NA that week?

[Loktai]

Confused people because of the name , buying the one X and S instead of series X and S.

[abeosaa]

Some kids out there are gonna be sad at Christmas..

[NotoriousWhiz]

These are facts. I know of more than a few people who are trying to get an Xbox for the first time who didn't have an Xbox one, and they're looking at the wrong one thinking it's the new one. This is made worse by the fact that if you're shopping online (like a lot of people are), you can search for a Series X|S and end up at a page for the One X|S.

[Army_of_Darkness]

MS's plan all along! Wohahaha!

[FallenAngel1984]

@ Lok

The Xbox One X has already been discontinued

[WireMucks]

VGChartz is completely a fake site,.. and people still post this crap here,..

[Rainbowcookie]

Didnt they have different number a few days ago? You have to read between the lines as it is the biggest xbox launch ever, but then realise its 2 differently priced consoles that thy added together.

[Chevalier]

Its also to 40 countries whereas Xbox One was launched to only 13 so yeah its lower sales averaged overall if you take that into account

[Rainbowcookie]

Yeah there are many factors. Id rather check after 6 months to a year. E3 next year will be super mportant to both companies

[jznrpg]

We know they always give inaccurate numbers at best . The real numbers will come out eventually for PS , Xbox will be a guessing game most likely

[Rude-ro]

The good thing about the internet,

The Xbox one supposedly sold over a million consoles in the first 24 hours at launch in 13 countries.

Compare that to this first week in 40 countries.. statistically speaking, sales wise, it is not their largest launch week in history outside of the number of countries it was available.
Which is probably the spin on the wording here.

[Chevalier]

Exactly. If my previous launch was 1 million units to 10 countries let's say that 100,000 per country sales.

Then launch a new system and its 1 million sales, but, to 100 countries then that's only 10,000 per country and it took 10 times more to match it.

Xbox One launched to only 13 countries whereas this was a global launch to 40 countries or so? It barely beat the Xbox One with 3 times more countries at launch.

And yeah you could use an excuse and say Pandemic limited supplies and numbers could be higher. So can be said for PS5 and even then their limited launch during the same time frame with same constraints still broke their own record. Just imagine how much higher the PS5 record could be if they also had more units

[green]

Great to see Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft are all thriving in the industry. I have a feeling that this gen would surpass the last and be one of the best.

[Grave]

Record sales ... too scalpers.

[Chevalier]

Yeah I forgot there were ZERO Scalpers during the Wii, Switch, PS4 and Xbox One launch right?! Oh yeah they had scalpers then too. So yeah excuses....

[NotoriousWhiz]

You could also buy consoles in stores back then so....

[Father__Merrin]

Great launch all round. Ps5 will carry momentum very strongly. Xbox SX will slow pace in new year most of Thier sales was core Xbox gamers, next gen buzz purchasers

[Stanjara]

They have the article beneath the chart that ps5 sold 2.1-2.5 mill on launch.

How?
Now it's 1.5 mill?
What?

[BattleCat]

Brain on, you can read? 8-14Nov. When did the ps5 release in europe? 19!!! So its just half of the sales here listed

[waverider]

Sony already got double of instaled base compared to Microsoft. Thats the reality. Nothing change.

[Sitdown]

Sort of like fanboy rhetoric. Nothing change.

[chiefJohn117]

Congrats all around

[Darthpaul84]

Good to see all systems doing very well. It really is a win for gamers if these companies are pushing one another.

[GamingInFrames]

Just remember that the "experts" once stated that mobile gaming was going to kill console gaming.

[TravsVoid]

It killed Nintendo's home console business, now they only make low powered mobile devices. People complain about the Series S being low power hardware at $300 but the Switch doesn't even come close to the same specs.

[JayRyu]

Congrats to both Microsoft and Sony! Both companies launched great systems.

[neomahi]

Sony needs to find a way to screw over the scalpers. Build up a huge stock of consoles and launch them, oversaturates the market sure, but kills scalpers leaving them with more stock than they can handle. This needs to be combated leaving scalpers with wasted money and lost funds, that'll show em.

[Kavorklestein]

Better yet, people with a real PSN or XBL account, like an account that is 1+ years old should be able to at least register to have 1 console to be set aside for them if they have the funds available. The real gamers should have their devotion rewarded with an opportunity to jump ahead of the general public.
Then the remaining stock should be sold to whoever can get their hands on it... or SOMETHING like that.

[Weapon_of_choice]

Lol a nice fairytale for the fans, but PS5 is outselling xbox 3-1

[B_Rian89]

Is it just me or is the VGChartz website terrible to navigate? Ads take up 85% of the screen and you literally can't even scroll down to read the article

[TravsVoid]

Use Brave Browser and you will be good to go.

[anast]

PS5 is wildly outselling the SX. It's not even close.

[FanboysKiller]

You will know who's selling more when they talk on public.

[curtain_swoosh]

well if you compare it to the X1 launch (13 countries), seriesX/S (40 countries) did actually way worse than before.
but VGC is not to be trusted when it comes to sale figures.

[TravsVoid]

Maybe it's because it doesn't come with Kinect anymore?

[TheDibbler]

The first set of numbers is completely meaningless. Both consoles have sold out of all units delivered but Sony was able to produce more. The demand is higher for PS5 but for the initial launch it is irrelevant. Unless anyone is an investor I’m not sure why anyone really cares about this anyway. Just another metric to stir up the irrational console war fanboys.