The lights are on
While the general perception is that this generation has been "won" by Microsoft -- largely due to the Xbox 360's dominance in North America -- analyst firm IDC's data now shows a slight advantage for Sony's PlayStation 3.
In a new report entitled "Worldwide Video Game and Entertainment Console Hardware and Packaged Software 2012-2016," IDC says that Sony passed Microsoft's worldwide numbers in the recent holiday season. PlayStation 3's worldwide sales numbers now stand at 77 million, compared to Xbox 360's 76 million.
This near dead heat is surprisingly, considering that Sony got a late start in this generation, and has struggled to catch Microsoft in the U.S. and Canada. It's also worth noting that -- despite the previous conventional wisdom -- the video game market in this generation was robust enough to support not one, but three, successful home game consoles (including Nintendo's Wii).
Source: IDC via Digital Trends
Email the author Matt Helgeson, or follow on Twitter, and Game Informer.
It's not, to me, because I've always heard how the perception differs outside here.
Unfortunately since I live here I'm generally stuck to the half-priced shooter-filled console.
Checking the NPD stats for lifetime sales:
Xbox 360 lifetime sales: 74M
PlayStation 3 lifetime sales: 72.2M
(cue The Price is Right "you lose" buzzer.)
North American sales are even more wide:
Xbox 360 NA lifetime sales: 42.2M
PS3 NA lifetime sales: 25.9M
Wow.
Not sure about other parts of the world but I can tell you in Australia they were giving away free PS3's with every Sony television at one point. That promotion went for quite some time, I got one. Have never played a game on it yet, its a used as a Blu-Ray player, games are on the xbox360. Hate the horrid PS controller with a passion.
This isn't really surprising because in other eastern countries the edge goes to the PS3. Just because over in NA the 360 has an edge doesn't typically mean anything. You are making it seem like we are the only ones who play video games. Well we're not, not by a long shot.
Blu-ray ftw.
I tend to prefer my PS3 over my 360...'cept when Skyrim is involved. Either way I'm glad that both are keeping steady sales. Video games are the main source of cash for Microsoft and Sony now, since Microsoft's phones aren't selling well and Windows 8 is pretty much a failure to launch kinda thing (i just never really got my life together. DONE!) Sony is struggling even more, with the Vita sinking fast they need the money.
yeaaaaaaa!!
Don't care, I still think the 360 is better. I have both and I only use my PS3 to play some of the exclusives (Uncharted, Killzone, Infamous).
Hard to believe, but congrats to Sony. I still prefer the Xbox 360 over the PlayStation 3 and I have both systems. As long as the Xbox 360 remains dominant in North America, I'm fine.
About time. Sony had a massive advantage going into this gen. Im surprised it took them 6 years. Either way, the PS3 was a big disappointment to me. I can't remember the last time I turned it on tbh. lol
May the best system win
A premonition which was in the back of my mind for some time now. It's pretty awesome how this generation supported 3 successful consoles. And as well brought about a dead heat with the two top systems.
I have both Xbox 360 and PS3. I purchased a second PS3 for Blueray and access to Netflix. The PS3 is a great piece of technology and good value. I tend to like gaming better on PS3 but play both consoles a lot. Glad to see Sony's numbers.