The Xbox One's few months winning streak over the PlayStation 4 has ended, but that doesn't mean Microsoft hasn't had a good run for the month of November. While the PlayStation outsold the Microsoft console, the gap isn't far off.
We understand the Xbox One sold a million units in the month of November. This is rather impressive, especially when we consider that Microsoft has done it with just the Xbox One and the Xbox One S, both of which are inferior than the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Slim, and PlayStation 4 Pro.
Where Do These Numbers Come From
A report from the folks at Windows Central claims the publication was given the numbers from sources that are receivers of hard NPD figures. If these numbers are indeed on the money, then Microsoft shifted 1 million Xbox One systems, while Sony sold 1.1 million. It's not a huge difference, just a mere 100,000 units, so one would assume Microsoft did a splendid job all things regardless.
It should be noted that Microsoft got the better of Sony on Black Friday, but it wasn't enough to take the month of November. With the company's 12 Days of Deals still in effect, there's a good chance the Xbox One could topple the PlayStation 4 in December, but we won't know for certain until 2017.
The PlayStation 4 family systems weren't the only success stories for Sony. The company sold 68,000 PSVR units in November, ultimately making the system to top-selling VR headset on the market. The success is all thanks to the PlayStation 4 and the commanding lead it has in the gaming market.
So far, over 50 million PlayStation 4 units have been sold since the system launched back in 2013. Furthermore, we understand the system could end its lifespan with over 20 million units ahead of the Xbox One if things continue down this path, and there's no reason why it wouldn't.
Despite Microsoft's recent successes with the Xbox One, it is unlikely the company will ever catch up to Sony, especially since the PlayStation 4 Pro is out right now. However, the momentum the Xbox One has created in the last couple months since the launch of the Xbox One S could be the tipping point Microsoft has been looking for.
Xbox UK marketing director Harvey Eagle has said in an interview that 2016 will be remembered as the year the Xbox One bounced back into form.
"Momentum is really important in this business, because it gives confidence to retailers, publishers, and to consumers," Eagle told GI.biz. "We are giving them confidence that they have made a right point. I think we'll look back on 2016 as a tipping point for Xbox One."
Time will tell if this momentum can ride the wave and the stave off the strong PlayStation 4 exclusive games to come in 2017.
