Sony announced its latest sales figures for the PlayStation 4, recording cumulative sales of more than 5.3 million units around the world as of 8th February. The sum surpasses the firm's previous forecast of 5 million PS4 sales before the end of the fiscal year.
The PS4 launched before Xmas alongside competitor Microsoft's Xbox One, but the latest record of Xbox One sales was at the 3.9 million mark at the end of January. The PS4 has held the overall sales lead since its launch and seems to be lengthening the gap from the Xbox One in the competition. However it is also worth noting that the Xbox One is available in less regions around the globe than the PS4.
According to sales data tracked by NPD, the PS4 sold the most units of any next-gen console last month in the US. Sony Senior VP Guy Longworth touted a US sales figure that was almost double that of its nearest next gen competitor, presumably the Xbox One.
With figures of 4.2 million PS4s sold at the end of 2013, this means that Sony has managed to sell over a million units since the turn of the year. Compared to Nintendo's Wii U consoles' 5.86 million figure since its launch in 2012, Sony's system is selling at more than four times the pace.
"I am thrilled that so many customers around the globe have continued to select PS4 as the best place to play throughout and beyond the holiday season," said Andrew House, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "We are delighted that according to the NPD Group's latest data, PS4 was January's top-selling console in the United States. The PS4 system's momentum just keeps growing stronger, and we are extremely grateful for the continued passion and support of PlayStation fans."
The announcement comes days before the launch of the PS4 in Japan which is scheduled for 22nd February, "I'm looking forward to Japanese fans sharing the excitement of the deep social capabilities and entertainment experiences only possible on PS4," said House. The Japanese market will undoubtedly be a big one for a new Sony console, as has historically been the case.
For Japanese consumers, Sony has also announced the PS4 Metal Geal Solid 5 Bundle, which will include a regular CHU-1000AB01 500GB PS4 system with the logo of the game and a custom golden Fox emblem, a DualShock4 and a copy of Metal Gear Solid 5.
It will be interesting to see the continuing battle between Microsoft and Sony's gaming consoles. Microsoft has recently cut its digital pricing and is promoting Titanfall and Sony plans to drive sales through PlayStation Plus and its own exclusive games including Drive Club and Infamous: Second Son.
