Sony today revealed that the PlayStation 4 has exceeded all its expectations in terms of sales figures to two other consoles: the Wii and the original PlayStation. It is the second best-selling console of all time.
Sony released its quarterly financial report this week, detailing, among other things, its hardware sales. We know that the total number of PS4s sold as of the last report was 100 million, and the company sold an additional 2,8 million units this quarter.
This brings the total to 102,8 million PS4s sold over its six-year lifespan. For reference, the Wii sold 101,6 million units, while the PS1 sold 102,5. Thus, the PS4 falls into the Top 2 by a narrower. Still, Sony can say that it has sold the three best-selling home consoles of all time.
Long-term sales of the PS4
Sales have been flat throughout the life of the console, but it should be noted that the Switch does better than the PS4 at a comparable point in its life. Still, I think it's fair to say that it has surpassed its perennial rival, the Xbox One. Microsoft has recently tried to boost sales of its old console by offering a rent-to-own option that allows users to upgrade to the new one. generation of Scarlett. The PS4 has so far not needed such a connection to the PS5.
The console that still tops the PS4 is the PS2, which still leads its grandson by some 50 million units sold - a goal that I doubt the PS4 will be able to meet before Sony puts it in the sun.
Still, if you look at the rest of the information, it doesn't look very rosy. Although overall console sales are very good, the company's gaming revenue has declined. Overall, the console seems to be slowing down just as Sony prepares to deliver the PS5, which we haven't seen yet but which is due out in the 2020 holiday season.
Please note that its rating only applies to stationary consoles. The Game Boy and DS lines have outsold the PS4, but to be fair, they have both been introduced in completely different markets.
But not all are well wishes for the PS4
The best-selling console of all time was the PS2, which sold a whopping 155 million units. Although the PS4 sold 102,8 million units in total, it sold 100 million units in the penultimate quarter, down from 1,1 million last year.
The decline in quarterly unit sales shows how the PS4 is nearing the end of its useful life. Not only have their unit sales been down, but their gaming revenue and profits are down 17% and 35%, respectively.