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
