Sony’s PlayStation 4 has managed to topple XboxOne in terms of sales for the month of January in the console wars according to NPD data. Microsoft’s console was a consistent leader for the last two months managing to close the competition between the two companies.
Nintendo hasn’t revealed the actual numbers but said, “Sales of Wii U hardware and software increased by nearly 30 per cent and nearly 45 per cent, respectively, over the same month last year.”
Software wise Microsoft has claimed to have achieved the numbers in its favour although the zombie game Dying Light sold really well on the Sony console.
“After closing a record-breaking holiday, 2015 is off to a great start,” Xbox marketing corporate VP Mike Nichols said. “With record January sales for Xbox One and more game sales per console than any other platform.”
Outside of the obvious Sony-versus-Microsoft matchup, Nintendo continues to reap the rewards of delivering a solid Super Smash Bros. game. The publisher confirmed it sold 180,000 physical and digital copies of its beloved four-player fighter during the month.
“PlayStation 4 was the top-selling console in January and remains the cumulative leader in the US, according to NPD data. Since launching in November 2013, 18.5 million PS4 units and 81.8 million software units have been sold through to consumers worldwide,” said a Sony Computer Entertainment America spokesperson.
The NPD’s Liam Callahan wrote in a statement, “Hardware sales declined by 23 per cent as sales cooled off after the holiday season. Eighth generation console hardware sales were down by 22 per cent while seventh generation console hardware sales decreased by 35 per cent.” However, the silver lining is that “combined hardware install base of PS4 and Xbox One is close to 60 per cent higher than the cumulative hardware totals for Xbox 360 and PS3 at the same point in their lifecycles (after 15 months).”