Xbox Series X|S hits 2 million UK sales faster than Switch, but slower than older generations
Microsoft’s latest gaming console has achieved a significant milestone.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
According to a new report on sales information from the data analysis company GfK, Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S console has hit over 2 million sales in the United Kingdom (UK).
Thereportsays this sales number was reached in 128 weeks since the system’s November 2020 launch, generating £696 million in revenue and beating the Nintendo Switch’s ascent to the milestone by 12 weeks. However, the Xbox Series X|S reached 2 million sales slowerthan two of Microsoft’s previous systems — the Xbox 360 and Xbox One — did. It also falls behind Sony’s PS5, which hit the achievement in 98 weeks.
The Xbox One stands as Microsoft’s fastest-selling system in the UK. It sold 2 million units in 104 weeks, with the Xbox 360 close behind at 110. The original Xbox from 2002 took 162 weeks to reach the 2 million sales mark.
Xbox Series X review
Are Microsoft and Xbox going to pivot away from cloud gaming?
Report: Microsoft Gaming lead Phil Spencer comments on the future of Xbox, should the Activision deal fail
It’s important to note thatboth the Xbox Series X and S have been affected significantly by stock issuesat various times, with the Series X in particular often being difficult to find. Between the surging demand for gaming systems in 2020-21 and widespread component shortages causing supply constraints, it’s been tough to secure a console for the last few years. You may struggle to find stock even today, though the market has stabilized quite a lot in the last year or so.
When you factor in the shortages, the sales performance of Microsoft’s consoles in the UK is okay, though notably, supply issues like these have affected competing systems like the PS5 has well.
The news of Xbox’s milestone comes concurrently with the announcement of theEuropean Commission’s approval of Microsoft’s $69b Activision Blizzard purchase. The regulator’s support of the merger is exciting for those hoping for its success, though both the United States Federal Trade Commission and theUK’s Competition and Market Authority have moved to block the deal.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he’s been an avid fan since childhood. He’s been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you’ll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he’s not writing or gaming, there’s a good chance he’s either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once.Follow him on X(Twitter).
