Electronic Arts has indicated that the PlayStation 4 is eclipsing Xbox One in global sales by a ratio of 2:1.
That’s according to comments by the publishing behemoth’s Chief Financial Officer, Blake Jorgensen, who said during an earnings call overnight that the combined install base for Sony and Microsoft’s consoles currently sits at 55 million worldwide.
PS4 sales go through the roof
Now, we know that PS4 has sold 35.9 million units globally as of early January 2016, which would mean that the Xbox One has shifted in the region of 19 million since launching in November 2013.
Jorgensen’s quote is as follows:
“I think our business seems to be operating pretty consistent as it has been over the last couple of years. The console purchases are up through the end of calendar year ’15. Our estimate is 55 million units out there which has exceeded virtually everyone’s forecast for the year and now almost 50 per cent higher than previous console cycle so, all of that is very-very positive, all the gameplay we’re seeing and the engagement and things like Ultimate Team we’re seeing is positive. We’re just conscious of the fact that there’s a lot of storm clouds out there, we want to be careful that we don’t get ahead of ourselves or the economy in our forecast for the business and that’s what you’re hearing.”
PS4 vs Xbox One
Sony announced this week that it has sold-in 37.7 million consoles worldwide, with 8.4 million sold during the financial quarter ended December 31, 2015. Note that the first figure pertains to consoles shipped to retailers, and does not represent the number of PS4s in the hands of consumers.
Microsoft has been notoriously shy on revealing any official sales number for the Xbox One. The last we heard, the system had shipped 10 million units worldwide, although that was over a year ago now. It has, however, conceded that PS4 has gained a significant lead over its flagship system, and may not be able to catch up to its rival going forward.
Sony recently announced the formation of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), an amalgamation Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment International. The business will go into full operation on April 1, 2016.