GAMING HARDWARE SHOWDOWN: PS5 SOARS WHILE XBOX HITS TURBULENCE
Ever wondered what happens when console wars meet cold, hard sales data? The latest US market figures tell a tale of two very different trajectories, with PlayStation 5 climbing higher than its predecessor while Xbox Series X/S performs the gaming equivalent of a belly flop.
THE NUMBERS GAME
According to Circana's Mat Piscatella (who probably dreams in spreadsheets), PS5 is strutting around with 7% better sales than PS4 had at this point, like a peacock that just got a fresh haircut. Meanwhile, Xbox Series is trailing its predecessor by 18%, which is about as awkward as showing up to a party wearing the same outfit as your ex, but worse.
THE GREAT HARDWARE SLUMP
2024 wasn't exactly a champagne year for hardware sales. December saw gaming hardware spending face-plant by 29% to $1.1B, with PS5 taking an 18% hit and both Xbox Series and Switch doing synchronized diving with 38% drops each. The annual hardware spending wrapped up at $4.9B, down 25% from 2023, like someone accidentally left the industry's wallet in the washing machine.
NINTENDO'S SUNSET INFLUENCE
Part of this hardware sales nosedive can be blamed on the Switch being about as fresh as last week's leftovers. But with the Switch 2 waiting in the wings for its 2025 debut, Nintendo fans are probably just holding onto their wallets tighter than a speedrunner's grip on a controller.
THE SILVER LINING
It's not all doom and gloom in gaming land - software and accessories are actually up (2% and 6% respectively), like that one friend who somehow manages to thrive during a zombie apocalypse. Overall gaming spend only dipped 1.1% in 2024, which in the current economy is practically a win.
THE BOTTOM LINE
While PS5 continues its victory lap with 61 million units sold globally, Xbox Series is reportedly sitting at around half that number, like the kid who got picked last for dodgeball but insists they're just there for the exercise. With Nintendo preparing to throw their hat back in the ring with the Switch 2, 2025 might just be the year hardware sales remember how to party.