Microsoft can try giving away free games, and cutting the price of the Xbox One, but the PlayStation 4 remains at the top of the U.S. sales charts. Sony announced today that the PS4 is the best-selling console in America for the 9th month running, even after projections from analyst Michael Pachter put Microsoft’s offering ahead for the first time since its launch.
In a statement emailed to GeekWire, Sony credited its success to the launch of “Destiny,” the hotly-anticipated new game from the company that developed “Halo.”
“Thanks to the support from fans and the overwhelming popularity of the limited-edition Destiny PS4 bundle, PlayStation 4 won the month of September, nearly tripling August sales,” Sony Computer Entertainment of America exec Guy Longworth said.
Overall, sales of new video game hardware totaled $432.7 million in September, up 136 percent over September 2013, according to a report by the NPD Group. Sales of eighth generation consoles, including the PS4, Xbox One and Wii U, were 85 percent of total console sales, the highest of any month since the new boxes launched in November of last year.
In addition to providing a boost to console sales, “Destiny” was the top-selling game in September, passing by Madden NFL 15 and FIFA 15 for the top spot. What’s more, “Destiny” had the best launch of any game so far this year, as well as the best first month of sales for any game based on new intellectual property.
Interestingly, there were more Xbox One copies of “Destiny” sold than those on any other console, though that may have had something to do with Microsoft’s decision to offer a free game to people who bought a new Xbox One during the game’s launch week. NPD’s survey also didn’t count copies of games bundled with consoles, like those sold in the Destiny PS4 bundle, which may have skewed the numbers.
Here are the top 10 best-selling games for September:
- Destiny (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3)
- Madden NFL 15 (360, PS4, PS3, Xbox One)
- FIFA 15 (PS4, 360, PS3, Xbox One, Wii, Vita, 3DS)
- Super Smash Bros. for 3DS (3DS)
- Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
- NHL 15 (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3)
- Minecraft (360, PS3)
- The Sims 4 (PC)
- Disney Infinity 2.0 (360, PS3, Wii U, PS4, Xbox One)
- Diablo III: Reaper of Souls (PS4, 360, PS3, Xbox One, PC)
Update: When asked for comment, a Microsoft spokesperson declined to discuss this month’s sales, but said that the company is focused on the holiday season.
“We believe this will be one of our biggest holiday seasons ever. We’re offering great Xbox One bundles aligned with the most anticipated game launches of the year, including ‘Assassin’s Creed Unity,’ ‘Sunset Overdrive’ and ‘Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare,’ and incredible deals for fans. Combined with blockbusters like ‘Halo: The Master Chief Collection,’ ‘Grand Theft Auto 5,’ ‘Destiny’ and ‘Forza Horizon 2,’ we are committed to making Xbox One a great place to play this holiday.”
