The next-generation console war has begun, but we’ve got a long ways to go. That being said, has Sony already won a crucial victory, especially here in the US?
PS3 vs. Xbox 360 wasn’t much of a race in the US
Without mincing words, the Xbox 360 absolutely dominated the North American market during the previous generation. Many months, Microsoft’s console outsold the PlayStation 3 by a 2:1 – occasionally even 3:1 – ratio. In the worldwide markets, the PS3 proved slightly more popular; significantly more popular in Japan, of course. This is what ultimately allowed the PS3 to close the gap and actually squeak out a small worldwide lead. At last check, the PS3 had sold around 81 million units, while the Xbox 360 had just hit the 80 million mark. Also, bear in mind that the PS3 managed that number in less time; it launched over a year after the 360.
However, despite the PS3 coming on strong and holding sway in most foreign markets, the US always belonged to the 360. The PS3’s abysmal launch contributed to this switch (remember, the PS2 ruled the world); a prohibitive price, lacking launch software, and an appalling lack of hardware availability. The 360 definitely took advantage of that, despite well-documented reliability issues (“Red Ring of Death” became a household term). But the PS4 represents lessons learned, so are we looking at a Sony resurgence?
Has Sony effectively pulled a 180?
The PS4 debuted with a very agreeable (and perhaps unexpected price point), and it boasted a much more accessible system for developers. Game makers were singing the praises of that machine the instant it was officially unveiled in February. This outpouring of praise was due in no small part to PlayStation’s reputation; prior to the PS4, all new Sony consoles were ridiculously complicated. It took many designers years to get a firm grip on the next-level architecture. This is also why you see very large gaps in quality between launch titles and games released later in the system’s lifespan; for instance, compare the likes of Tekken Tag Tournament and Summoner to Final Fantasy XII, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and God of War, which released toward the end of the PS2’s reign.
Now, we’ve got a new system that developers love (rather than despise), a price that even the most cynical consumers have accepted, and a streamlined UI that many have appreciated. Sony also had 1 million units ready for the PS4’s launch, which vastly eclipses the tiny number of PS3s available back in 2006. In many ways, it’s almost a complete reversal of traits when compared to the PS3 launch.
Although the next-gen race is just getting started, the sales numbers indicate a huge coup for Sony in the US. We don’t have official stats just yet, but early reports are saying the PS4 and Xbox One were neck-and-neck in the US in 2013. Both may have sold around 3 million units, and some retailers are saying the PS4 had the definite edge.
Even if it’s a tie thus far, that’s a huge victory for Sony
Based on how easily the 360 dominated the PS3 in the US, right up until the launch of the new systems, even a tie represents a signficant resurgence on Sony’s part. Taking it a step further, if the PS4 can remain in step with the Xbox One in the North American market, it’s a guarantee that console easily outsells Microsoft’s in the worldwide race. We’re hearing evidence from European retailers that the PS4 easily outsold the Xbox One in many Euro territories, and the PS4 hasn’t even launched in its home country just yet. When it hits in Japan next month, the system will extend its global lead.
I just think it’s amazing that in the US, where a Microsoft platform has held sway for a good six or seven years, the situation changed that quickly. By all rights, the PS4 shouldn’t have sold half what the Xbox One sold in this country; at least, not if the past-gen numbers were any indication. Clearly, though, things have changed. If Sony can maintain this momentum and remain competitive with Microsoft in the US, that, in and of itself, is an impressive and critical uprising.
