Power to the Players
According to new data from industry analysts GfK, the UK saw a massive surge in the sale of PlayStation 5 (PS5) hardware and software in February 2023, with the numbers suggesting an increase of around 316% over the same period in 2022.
The data, (as reported by GamesIndustry.biz), recognizes that the massive increase in hardware sales is down to two defining factors: the PS5 become more readily available to purchase online and in the high street, and the launch of Warner Bros. title Hogwarts Legacy, which launched on February 10 and has already laid claim to being the sixth best-selling release in the past 12 months. In February, PS5 sales were up 27% on January 2023, and up 180% over January — February 2022.
Aside from the Sony sales surge, the Xbox platform has also seen a moderate increase in hardware sales, with Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles enjoying increased sales of 21% over January 2023, and 15% over February 2022. When compared to January — February 2022, hardware sales are slightly down by around 5.3%.
It also appears that the hard-running generation veteran, Nintendo Switch, is finally starting to show its age — at least where street life is concerned. The hybrid console saw its sales slump by 15% when compared to January 2022, as well as being down by a huge 29% when compared to February 2022. While there are still exciting new titles on the horizon — such as the forthcoming The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — a steady decline in sales is expected, given the format’s six-year legacy.
PS5 sales surge over 300% in the UK during February [GamesIndustry.biz]
