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Comparison of PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 Sales Trends

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 20, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Sales Comparison in the US
  3. Sales Comparison in Europe
  4. Overall Sales Performance
  5. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report explores sales trends of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and PlayStation 4 (PS4) across the US and Europe during various periods in 2024. It examines unit sales, regional performance differences, and factors affecting these trends, such as market conditions, supply issues, and user retention. Key results indicate that the PS5 outperforms the PS4 in the US, with sales figures showing PS5’s significant lead over the last 12 months. In contrast, Europe shows a different trend where the PS4 outpaces PS5, affected by supply challenges, economic conditions, and geopolitical issues. Overall, while PS5 sales growth is notable, particularly in the US, it faces challenges in matching PS4’s strong historical performance, particularly in Europe.

2. Sales Comparison in the US

  • 2-1. PS5 vs PS4 Sales - April 2024

  • In April 2024, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) had significantly higher sales compared to the PlayStation 4 (PS4) in the US. The data shows that during this month, the sales gap between the PS5 and PS4 increased by 49,971 units in favor of the PS5. Over the past 12 months, the PS5 outsold the PS4 by 1,146,536 units. Overall, the PS5 was ahead of the PS4 by a total of 1,475,603 units in April 2024. The PS5 had sold a total of 20.30 million units while the PS4 had sold 18.82 million units by this same 42-month mark from their respective launch dates. By comparison, in its 42nd month, the PS4 had reached 18.82 million units sold in April 2017. Currently, the PS5 is 14.62 million units behind the lifetime sales of the PS4 which are at 34.92 million units in the US.

  • 2-2. PS5 vs PS4 Sales - January 2024

  • As of January 2024, this section primarily compares the worldwide sales of the PS5 and PS4 but provides relevant context for understanding trends specific to the US market in further months. In January 2024, the PS5 had sold 54.17 million units globally, whereas the PS4 had sold 54.97 million units within the same time frame of their respective releases. Even though the PS4 maintained a lead of 0.80 million units globally, over the last 12 months leading up to January 2024, the PS5 had outsold the PS4 by 3.76 million units, indicating strong growth in comparison to previous months. The data from January 2024 also points out that the PS4 experienced its best year with weekly sales ranging between 250,000 and 300,000 units.

3. Sales Comparison in Europe

  • 3-1. PS5 vs PS4 Sales - May 2024

  • This analysis compares the aligned Europe sales of the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 as of May 2024. The PlayStation 5, launched in November 2020, has now been available for 43 months. In the latest month, the sales gap between the two consoles increased in favor of the PlayStation 4 by 193,935 units. Over the last 12 months, the PS4 outsold the PS5 by a total of 120,298 units. As of May 2024, the PlayStation 5 has achieved 19.34 million units sold, while the PlayStation 4 had sold 24.52 million units at the same point in its lifecycle (43 months). The total lead held by the PS4 over the PS5 stands at 5.18 million units. To date, the PS4 has recorded 45.85 million units sold in Europe. Multiple factors influence PS5's sales performance in Europe. Notable causes include supply challenges, economic conditions like inflation and rising living costs, geopolitical tensions, specifically the war in Ukraine, and political shifts across the EU. These issues have significantly impacted PS5's market presence in Europe, resulting in its current lag behind the PS4 by 5.18 million units. Given the improvements in other regions, Europe remains the most significant challenge for PS5 compared to its predecessor.

4. Overall Sales Performance

  • 4-1. PS5 vs PS4 Sales - April 2024 (Overall)

  • In April 2024, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and PlayStation 4 (PS4) sales were compared using data from VGChartz. As of April 2024, the PS5 had been available for 42 months, while the PS4 had also been available for 42 months as of April 2017. In the most recent month, the sales gap between the PS5 and PS4 widened in favor of the PS4 by 157,108 units. However, in the past 12 months, the PS5 has outsold the PS4 by 1.84 million units. Despite this, the PS4 is still ahead of the PS5 by 0.71 million units overall, with the PS4 having sold a total of 58.72 million units and the PS5 selling 58.01 million units. Historically, the PS4 crossed 60 million units sold in its 44th month, 70 million in its 50th month, and 80 million in its 56th month. To date, the PS4 has sold 117.17 million units worldwide, leaving the PS5 59.16 million units behind the lifetime sales of the PS4.

5. Conclusion

  • The report delineates a nuanced picture of PlayStation 5’s sales performance compared to PlayStation 4, with region-specific variances. In the US, the PS5 has achieved remarkable sales figures, consistently outstripping the PS4 over recent months, indicating robust market adoption and effective user retention strategies. Conversely, in Europe, the PS5 lags behind the PS4, impacted by distinct factors like supply chain disruptions, economic pressures, and political tensions. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted marketing strategies and resilient supply chain solutions tailored to regional markets to bolster PS5’s competitiveness. While the PS5 has potential to eventually surpass PS4’s sales globally, addressing these regional challenges is paramount. Future prospects suggest a pivotal role for improved supply chains and adaptive marketing in sustaining growth. The report emphasizes the necessity for strategic interventions to navigate external market pressures and uphold competitive sales figures for the PS5.

6. Glossary

  • 6-1. PlayStation 5 (PS5) [Product]

  • The PlayStation 5 is Sony's latest gaming console, released in November 2020. It is pivotal in the current market, competing closely with its predecessor, the PlayStation 4. Despite facing supply chain issues and economic challenges, the PS5 has shown strong sales performances, particularly in the US.

  • 6-2. PlayStation 4 (PS4) [Product]

  • The PlayStation 4, released in November 2013, set a high benchmark for its successor, the PS5. It has sold consistently well over the years and continues to perform robustly in regions like Europe despite being an older model.

  • 6-3. William D'Angelo [Person]

  • William D'Angelo is a seasoned gaming analyst and author who has been associated with VGChartz since 2007. His insights in the provided documents offer valuable perspectives on video game hardware sales and trends, contributing significantly to the report's accuracy and depth.

7. Source Documents