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PS4 vs. Xbox One vs. Wii U: Lifetime console sales

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 8:56PM EST
PS4 Vs Xbox One

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The next-generation video game console war is no longer the next-generation video game console war — it’s now the current-generation video game console war. Each of the three major gaming box makers has now had its new console on sale for more than a year, and it has been quite a roller coaster ride to say the least. Nintendo came up very short in gamers’ eyes when it comes to the new Wii U. Yes, there are definitely some great titles for the console and many more on the way, but gamers didn’t see enough new features on the box to warrant an upgrade from the wildly successful Wii.

Where Sony and Microsoft are concerned, Sony took an early lead when the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One both launched in November 2013, and the company never looked back.

But how do lifetime sales stack up now?

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Microsoft has some big plans for the Xbox One in 2015 that could make the console a must-have for people looking for the best possible comprehensive living room experience, but the early days for Microsoft’s new console have dug the company quite a hole.

Sony’s PS4 burst onto the scene following a series of public relations snafus from Microsoft’s Xbox marketing and public relations teams, and it led in latest-generation video game console sales all the way until this past holiday season.

At that point, Microsoft finally kicked things into high gear and began offering several great Xbox One bundles alongside a serious price cut. As a result, the Xbox One won the holiday shopping season and stayed ahead for a brief period while price cuts continued.

But the boost ultimately wasn’t enough, and the PS4 quickly pulled back ahead.

It has been a wild ride indeed, and now it’s time to pause for a moment and take a look at where we are. The following chart from VGChartz says it all:

Here’s how lifetime sales break down for each console — and don’t forget, the Wii U was released in November 2012, a year before the PS4 and Xbox One:

PlayStation 4 Total Sales: 19,052,353

Xbox One Total Sales: 11,298,462

Wii U Total Sales: 9,137,844

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.