Xbox 360 is April's top selling console
by Alan Rose 
{ May 17th 2006 at 11:50AM }
According to sales data from NPD Group, the Xbox 360 was the top selling console for the month of April. Microsoft's 295,000 units edged out Sony's 205,000 units of the PlayStation 2. This may not be so surprising with more 360s in the pipeline after a long draught, and the Oblivion launch certainly didn't hurt, either. The big question is, can Microsoft maintain their momentum through the summer?How many of you contributed to the 360's April dominance?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Eric @ May 17th 2006 11:54AM
Why is the PS2 still selling?! God! Don't these people realize they need to start saving their money NOW for a new playstation coming in November?!
Caleb @ May 17th 2006 11:56AM
Not in April, got it at launch, been enjoying it ever since. Couldn't be more pleased.
Canadian Geese @ May 17th 2006 11:56AM
That's 295,000 closer to 10 million.
Edward @ May 17th 2006 11:57AM
I got an early father's day present.
Erik Novak @ May 17th 2006 11:58AM
I'm also a launch buyer. I'm also very pleased w/ my 360.
Spaced @ May 17th 2006 11:58AM
They shipped out 1.7million and only sold 300k?
That's not good and certainly not what I'd call momentum for a system with an install base of less than 2 million 6 months after release.
So Microsoft projected that they would have 10 million by November eh?. 300kX7 =2.1 million. Assuming the keep up the same pace as the resupply month....
That's not even going to put them over the 5 million mark. And I am pretty sure that things are slowing down.
Those are not good numbers, is the as good as dead?
Canadian Geese @ May 17th 2006 12:02PM
Wait and see what the May numbers will be. Now that E3 is over, and people know what they'll actually be getting with a PS3, I'm sure Microsofts numbers will jump considerably.
Jedi Master @ May 17th 2006 12:04PM
Take that Sony!
Flex @ May 17th 2006 12:05PM
I'm getting one when Halo and Fable hits the streets, but so far it hasn't done anything my PC can't do better, save for it's Live structure.
Adm @ May 17th 2006 12:05PM
I wasn't among these launch buyers, but this numbers are impressing
AtomMan @ May 17th 2006 12:07PM
Don't forget to take into account that these numbers are likely the US market only. I'm sure they were able to sell a good number in Europe during this period as well.
little gamer @ May 17th 2006 12:08PM
So let me get this straight.
The NEXT-GEN 360 is selling 90.000 units per month over the ex-gen PS2 and somehow that's something to celebrate about?
No wonder Sony have announced a 600$ price for their NextGen console. The 360 is going against a previous generation console and outselling by a factor of almost a third.
If I were Sony I'd let the competition get pummeled abit more and then at Xmas time really go for the jugular.
Dude @ May 17th 2006 12:10PM
5: I could be wrong, but aren't those just US numbers?
Keep in mind too that supply shortages were just solved at the end of March and early April. I'm curious how they'll do in May and I'd love to get data on all regions.
Anyone agree?
Edmund @ May 17th 2006 12:11PM
I sure as hell didn't. I'm not dumb enough to pay $400 for some tiny improvement in graphics and the same games as the last generation.
32_footsteps @ May 17th 2006 12:12PM
You know, I wonder how many people buy PS2s to replace old ones that broke. I know a few that did just that.
Also, I know at least one friend that is looking hard at buying a console for the first time right now, and he's looking over in Sony's direction. He was thinking of waiting for the PS3, but since his wife just gave birth to their first child about two weeks ago, I think he'll pick the much cheaper alternative.
Also, there are just some people that like to have multiple copies of the same console in their house. I've thought about a second PS2 to let my wife play the games she wants while I'm in the middle of something for review.
I know it's hard to believe, but not everyone has a PS2 yet or has as many as they want.
PS3 cops @ May 17th 2006 12:13PM
I bought mine at launch then traded it in to MS for a non red light version when it died on March 19th. Since then the refurb one has worked flawlessly, runs much much cooler the new one.
soco @ May 17th 2006 12:14PM
NPD is only North American numbers and the console is already past 3 million.
Raynre @ May 17th 2006 12:15PM
Wait a minute... we're celebrating that a next-gen console finally sold more units than an inferior console thats been out for over five years?
Edmund @ May 17th 2006 12:16PM
And now why the hell do I have -1 stars? Because you didn't agree with something I said? That's pretty pretentious and elitist of you. I've NEVER done anything wrong on this blog and you reprimand me? I've always thought that this was the best video game blog ever, and I've even told you that. But this is pathetic, guys. That's a great way to treat people. That's a great way to treat your fans. Grow up.
Jeff @ May 17th 2006 12:20PM
I want one, still haven't bought.
But yeah, chalk me up as another that doesn't see sales of 295,000 in a month much to write home about. That's around 3 million per year, which would put them at 15 million total after 5 years. That's not really a success.
You can say April's a slow month generally, or whatever, but then you can't use the "supply shortages just ended" argument, because that implies pent-up demand. Either the demand was there or it wasn't. Apparently, it wasn't - meaning it's just as likely sales will slow down for the rest of the year as that they'll pick up. The jury's still out on that, but this is not what I'd call a great month considering Xbox 360's are now easily attainable.
Dread @ May 17th 2006 12:21PM
Work the numbers if you think this is "impressive". Current estimates of PS2 saturation is around 70 million.
70,000,000 / 300,000 per month = 233 months = 19 years to match the PS2 sales
or
March 2000 - March 20006 = 72 months
70,000,000 / 72months = 972,000 per month for Sony
How's X360s numbers now? I still see stacks of them in the stores by me. I wonder if this is a worldwide sell through rate which makes the number look pitiful.
I can't believe they are still selling 200,000 PS2s a month.
Disclaimer: This does not take into consideration price drops (that drive up demand), the fact that the X360 was released Worldwide, or the increase of demand for a console at it's later life cycle.
Jason @ May 17th 2006 12:21PM
The anal-retentive editor in me would like to point out that "drought" is a shortage of rainfall or, by analogy, shortage in the supply chain. A draught is a pleasant beverage.
Jeff @ May 17th 2006 12:24PM
btw, Dude:
You don't even want to see Japanese numbers. But they're out there if you search. Xbox 360 is selling around 10,000 units per month there.
Europe, I have no idea, but it seems likely that it's selling slightly fewer units there than it is here.
Willie @ May 17th 2006 12:24PM
I know the system will continue to sell well because of E3. My friends and I were all Sony fans. After the show, we all went out and bought an XBOX 360. For the Sony fans, the 360 is great and no problems to report.
Dmek @ May 17th 2006 12:24PM
Take off another one for Edmund! -1 for crying
PS3 cops @ May 17th 2006 12:24PM
" I sure as hell didn't. I'm not dumb enough to pay $400 for some tiny improvement in graphics and the same games as the last generation."
Edmund is a troll.
Tiny upgrade from last gen?? Lets review....
Lemme see the 360 has 512mb and xbox1 has 64mb.
360 has 3 core processor running at 3.2 ghz and xbox1 has 733mhz celeron. 360 has a incredible online presence with a marketplace and xbox1 has barely online presence.
360 has wireless controllers that have a guide button that brings up the 360 dashboard and xbox1 has nothing like that.
360 has a incredible video card which is equal to the PS3 and xbox1 has a pathetic video card.
360 has USB ports and xbox1 does not.
360 has a removeable upgradeable Hard Drive and the xbox1 does not.
360 has HiDef widescreen resolutions and xbox1 does not.
etc...
tiny upgrade? huh?
you really are doing a really good job trolling. good for you Troll boy.
Im wondering if your a PS3 fanboy that is bitter that your minor upgrade call the PS3 is such a dissapointment in features and ridiculous price point.
I certainly would not pay $600 for a PS3 when I get the same thing but much better implementation and proven technology for $200 less in the 360.
scourge @ May 17th 2006 12:26PM
I did not mean to post that earlier comment, I was referring to that idiot who posted it above. Stupidity.
I bought a premium package in April and have enjoyed it. I have only been renting games and have worked the hell out of Fight Night 3 & GRAW. Really looking forward to Rainbow 6 Vegas and Splinter Cell: Double agent
digital firefly @ May 17th 2006 12:28PM
Reason why people are still buying the PS2
1. PS2 price drop to $129
2. Some people can't afford $299 or $399
3. People's PS2s break and they have to replace them
scourge @ May 17th 2006 12:28PM
Edmund is a douche.
Art Guy @ May 17th 2006 12:28PM
Xbox 360: 295,000 x $350* = $103,250,000
Ps2: 205,000 x $130 = $26,650,000
With the 360 costing a lot more than the PS2, these numbers aren't bad at all. I'm guessing the low 360 numbers are more with lack of supply than demand. I certainly haven't seen 360s collecting dust on the shelves. In fact I only saw one on the shelves for the first time last week.
*Assuming there was an equal number of premium and core units, although I'm pretty sure only about 1/4 of the shipped units are cores.
$88,205,000 all core vs $117,705,000 all premium.
Momus @ May 17th 2006 12:28PM
I remain 360-less by choice! And I remain even prouder of not wanting a PS3! Somehow, it makes me feel superior.
I look forward to owning a PS2 and eventually a Wii for the foreseeable future, thanks, occasionally dusting off my N64 now and then.
Vivio @ May 17th 2006 12:29PM
The Xbox 360 rocks! I am playing on-line and totally enjoying the experience. BFMC & GRAW!!!
Kevin D @ May 17th 2006 12:29PM
Headline "XMAS 2006 - Sony sells out their 1 Million PS3's they could produce"
Meanwhile, all the moms/dads being pestered to buy a PS3 see the CRAZY price (or cant find one) and end up buying little Johnny a 360 for Xmas cause there will be lots on the shelves by then)...
Headline "January 2007 - X360 sales THROUGH THE ROOF"...
LOL.. Sony.. What a joke...
Oh, and whoever thinks Sony will sell 100 Million PS3's is on CRACK...LOL... WAAAAAAAAYYYYY overpriced....
Have fun kiddies....
SiN ViCiOuS @ May 17th 2006 12:30PM
You people are retarded,#20... do you even know what you are trying to articulate? The 360 is breaking records... they have shipped more and have an attach rate higher then any other console sold in history.
Now..now Sony and Wii fanboys... wait till your system launches, you will see the same shortages and problems the 360 suffered. As Peter moore said, the truth about it all will be on 2008.
toy gen @ May 17th 2006 12:35PM
I agree with #6. I too was initially unimpressed by the limp launch of the X360, I thought Sony would be showing something to make it worth the wait and the extra cash. Doesn't seem to be the case judging from E3 and more and more good games are being announced or are due out on the 360... I might just bite and get one in a couple of months ;)
Of course, I will be picking up a Wii on launch too!
The1 @ May 17th 2006 12:37PM
The PS2 was EDGED out by the X360. NO, there is a big gap in those numbers.
Thank you.
cookie monster @ May 17th 2006 12:41PM
Those numbers are tragically low. Pent up demand cn only move 290,000 units? :(
I guess microsoft is in deep doo doo. There is no way they can hit 10 million at that rate. This is much worse than what the gamecube did last gen.
ozymandias @ May 17th 2006 12:44PM
Spaced
did you read the interview joystiq did with shane kim? In that interview Kim stated that 60% of the 360 consoles(3 million) are connected to xbox live, with either a gold or silver membership. from this we gather that world wide microsoft has sold over 5 million consoles. Keep in mind that it was almost impossible to buy a 360 from december of 2005 until march of 2006, unless you live in japan. sounds like good sales to me. at this rate it will reach the 10 million mark by november and beat the sales record set by the ps2 by a month.
Thomas Werewolf @ May 17th 2006 12:45PM
The 360 has had a very Nintendo 64ish start, the more I think about it.
High demand and low supplies heading into a holiday launch. First gen games are scooped up by early adopters eager to get their hands on anything (like Mortal Kombat Trilogy or Gretzky 64), but those who waited out the launch, either by choice or due to the low supply, have had more time to mull over the first gen games and decide to wait for the next batch.
I just got an HDTV and it's really making me want a 360, but the only game that seems to have maintained and lived up to the hype (and maybe the only game so far the future will deem a classic) has been Oblivion.
For me, in addition to the fantastic E3 showing, that's gonna be enough to get a 360. I'll pick up a couple first gen games just for added content, but I think a lot of people are waiting for the next round of games, at which point console sales will start to climb. It's going to be an interesting Christmas.
Christopher7xii @ May 17th 2006 12:48PM
"Oh, and whoever thinks Sony will sell 100 Million PS3's is on CRACK...LOL... WAAAAAAAAYYYYY overpriced...."
Prices drop over time... Look at the cost of a DVD player in 2000, then look at it now. It was like $300-400 range, now you can get them for $40. As the price of blu-ray drives drop, plan to see a nice sizable decrease in the PS3's price. I mean, maybe I'm wrong... but didn't both the PSX and the PS2 drop like $60 in the first 8 month stretch?
Honestly, I don't see the X360 hitting it's goal unless Halo3 comes out during the summer, or there's a substantial price drop ($100 would be nice). Neither of those is going to happen though since the PS3 isn't even out til November... So... good luck MS.
Clint @ May 17th 2006 12:49PM
Looks like the Xbox 1.5 is in trouble. It's barely beating the old PS2! Looks like Sony was correct in waiting to release the PS3. If Xbox 1.5 can't compete with last generation, then surely it'll have a hard time competing with the next generation PS3!
diggity @ May 17th 2006 12:49PM
Well I contributed in March with my purchase. Either way these numbers are pretty solid. As for the PS2 being up there that is certianly understandable. You gotta milk as much as you can from that cash cow. Thats why its sad to see the original xbox near the end of it's cycle so soon. Either way we all have great expensive gaming to look forward too. It will be interesting to see the final sales figures for the year for all of the consoles. (minus PS3 and Wii since they will only be on the market for the last quarter.
analyzer @ May 17th 2006 12:50PM
1. Only US figures. No Canada, Europe, Asia, South America
2. Supply just meeting demand mid-April. Added new manufacturer in Feb and decided to ship more via sea rahter than by air to bring larger quantities. Most retailers refreshed between last week in March to mid-April.
3. Retailers won't advertise until they are comfortable with supply. Once MSFT gets good on they're shipping promises... retailers can advertise with confidence that new shipments will be steady.
You really need to look at May and June figures to get your head around this. Anyone jumping for joy or sneering (at this data) are just fanboys for Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo.
Ben Hobbs @ May 17th 2006 12:54PM
Hang on, 295,000 in one month in the US alone, doesnt that mean that one in 1,000 people from America bought a 360 in that month.
Take into account that perhaps 3 or 4 people live in most homes, that means that 1 in 300 homes bought an xbox360 in just one month alone.
How is this much worse than the gamecube did last gen? The xbox360 is the fastest selling console in history.
How much is the PS2 now, $99, whilst the xbox is $399, 295,000 x $400 is a LOT more than 200,000 x $99, you work it out.
Uglypimp @ May 17th 2006 12:55PM
To #38 -- The major difference is the 360 has a pretty highly rated library at this point with a pretty descent representation of most major genres. The Nintendo 64 had Super Mario 64 and Star Wars as it's major launch titles, and for about 8 months afterwards there was barely anything save Wave Race.
We'll see what the numbers are in May before spelling out Microsoft's demise. But seeing how the top 5 selling software titles in April were Xbox 360 games is pretty telling the system is alive and kicking. Whether it will be 1, 2 or 3 in the coming years is anyone's guess.
Spaced @ May 17th 2006 12:56PM
Microsoft only shipped 1.7 million worldwide to start with. I had the resupply number wrong in my post though. It was 1.2 million. They only moved 300k of the 1.2 mil ressupply. And that's not just april, it's april +1/2 march. Assuming that demand did not die down or increase it would put microsoft at 4 million by 2007. That's not even half of their goal. WE'll see what sales figures look like for may to see if things are gonna get better as a reult of E3 or worse as a result of the fact that 4+ months of 360 less fans just got their machines. Commonsense says the latter is the case. This is really bad news for Microsoft. There is no reason why it should be competing in sales with a machine 5+ years older than it. How many people are truely investing in new machines instead of holding out for the current gen? Microsoft had a decent showing at E3 but that's only watched by the hardcore set and most(not all but most) have already made up their minds in that respect. The demand is just not there for the 360 right now, maybe after a price launch or a more casual gamer marketing campaign. As for parents buying 360s for their kids...the 360 will have to compete with the wii and ps3 come Christmas time and that's gonna put a hurt on their goal.
Unless may moves more than twice as many units and the momentum stays at 200%+ Microsoft cannot hit their 10million mark. I have a 360 myself but I'm dismayed by these numbers. They are not good not matter how you spin it, developers are going to stop supporting it by 2007 if this is what the suits see for numbers.
Eric @ May 17th 2006 12:57PM
I don't think the greatest problem here is for the Xbox 360, I believe the problem rests squarely on Sony's shoulders.
Sony is going to have an extremely hard time justifying to its huge user base why they should upgrade to a PS3.
Hypothetically, the PS2's are probably still going to be selling very well by the time the PS3 comes out. So hundreds of thousands of people in November are going to be stroking their brand new PS2's. Then they are going to look at the PS3, its $600 price tag, and wonder "what the hell for?," "My PS2 is good enough."
Why buy a $600 PS3 when only 6 months ago you just bought a $130 PS2 and you haven't even come close to getting tired of it and thus want more?
diggity @ May 17th 2006 12:58PM
Wow xbox 1.5 haven't seen it on store shelves quite yet. I wonder if they will bundle xbox 1.5, xbox 360, and nintendo Wii for the same price as a PS3? Now that would be a deal. Okay all kidding and fanboying aside. Now seriously if the the 360 is xbox 1.5 then isn't the PS3 just xbox 1.6? Slightly better specs and slightly better graphics? The only big diffrence I see is blu-ray and well to be honest I play games on my machine not movies. Also if you use comsumer reports the number one no no with electronics are combo system. They highly recommend stand alone components. It's smarter for the consumer when it comes to repairs too. Well I am done with this ramble...I just get irked at silly comments.
Master X 24 @ May 17th 2006 1:05PM
I hate dumb fanboys that bash the 360. ITs great and the games look alot better than the xbox ones did. G.R.A.W., Fight Night, Oblivion, and more plus anyone see the halo 3 and gears of war trailer. If u did u know for a fact u cant call the 360 the xbox 1.5
The 360 is on short supply which means they will sell ou tevery month the numbers mit be low but the demand is still HIGH
OMAC @ May 17th 2006 1:06PM
"Looks like the Xbox 1.5 is in trouble. It's barely beating the old PS2! Looks like Sony was correct in waiting to release the PS3. If Xbox 1.5 can't compete with last generation, then surely it'll have a hard time competing with the next generation PS3!" - Clint.
ROFLMAO...Sony isn't waiting to release the PS3...they CAN'T release the PS3 now. They don't have any made yet. The innards won't fit into the case, cell processor yields are very low and it's much harder to program than the PS2. Not to mention the Blu Ray problems.
I was expecting to see playable PS3s at E3...guess what, they didn't have them. Instead they had rack-mounted eveloper kits running the games, and some of them kept crashing. You think Sony will have 1 Million PS3s by November? Think again. They will be lucky if they even launch by November.