The world is eagerly waiting to get their hands on the next-gen Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. With everything happening around in 2020, these consoles will be a good respite. Although, it seems that the ‘console war’ between Sony and Microsoft is going to be won by a third party, i.e. Nintendo.
Nintendo Switch has been the breakout console for 2020. Its sensational sales figures in terms of hardware, games, and in-game purchases are commendable. It even broke an industry record in August 2020. Take a look at this tweet by NPD analyst Mat Piscatella.
August 2020 US NPD THREAD – Consumer spending across video game hardware, content and accessories totaled $3.3B in Aug 2020, a 37% increase when compared to a year ago. Digital content on console, mobile and subscription were among largest growth segments. https://t.co/J1VyUT3txt
— Mat Piscatella (@MatPiscatella) September 14, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
There is no doubt that Nintendo has some of the best exclusives that attract customers. But beating Sony and Xbox in terms of sales is commendable. Additionally, Switch has also managed to outsell the Xbox One. 63.4 million units of Switch were sold as of August 2020 as compared to 48.3 million units sold for Xbox One.
Bear in mind that Nintendo Switch launched in 2017 and has been on the market 3 years lesser than Xbox One.
Also Read: The Game Behind the Skyrocketing Sales of Nintendo Switch
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nintendo Switch will probably sell more than the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
The next-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft look promising. Although analyst Mat Piscatella still believes that Nintendo Switch will edge out the PS5 and Series X this holiday season (Christmas).
According to the latest NPD report, Mat Mat predicts, “Switch will also be a hot holiday gifting item with more households picking up multiple Switch consoles in the fourth quarter. The lack of available inventory of new PlayStations and Xbox systems will leave Switch as an appealing available option (although supply may still be difficult to find).”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The most important point to note here is the limited supply of Series X and PS5. The global pandemic has definitely slowed things down, which has obviously affected production. Switch has also had its own supply issues, but considering there will be a stark shortage of PS5 and Series X, people are bound to turn towards Switch. Additionally, breakout titles like Mario and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have boosted the sales for Switch. This will be yet another win for Nintendo, and it may even outsell its next-gen competitors.
The ‘console war’ just got a little more complicated, and it seems that the fans are in for a spectacle in November 2020.
