- Xbox Series X|S sales dipped by 47% year-on-year as Microsoft recorded another bad month in Europe.
- Last year’s sales were not very strong either, so this decline is concerning.
- Video game sales were still strong overall.
According to a new report by Gamesindustry.biz, Xbox Series S|X hardware sales dipped significantly in Europe this February. Compared to last year, Microsoft’s consoles sold 47% fewer units year-on-year, though software sales remained strong overall.
Why it matters: Microsoft has been on the losing side ever since the release of the Xbox One. Despite many efforts, Microsoft has been unable to escape its poor start during the last generation.
Traditionally, Xbox has not had the biggest install base in Europe.
However, Microsoft’s hardware business has been falling apart recently. Except for a brief surge in sales after Starfield launched last year, Microsoft is struggling to move console units across the globe.
Gamesindustry’s report highlights that the PS5 and the Nintendo Switch also saw a decline in sales. The former’s sales dipped by just 2%, while the Nintendo Switch faced 17% lower sales.
However, in the PS5’s case, the decline was nearly negligible, and its dominance in Europe needs no introduction. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch is seven years old and is nearly on its way out, justifying the drop in sales.
Even with these factors in play, the Xbox Series S|X appear to be doing the worst out of the major console manufacturers. This is also not the first time Microsoft has seen poor sales in these parts of the world.
A report last year revealed that sales dropped by 50% year-on-year in the UK. Considering this is another big dip, Xbox may need to rethink its strategies.
Microsoft has already confirmed plans to create a next-generation console. However, it needs to devise a plan to bridge this massive sales gap. The gaming giant has also refused to release a mid-gen refresh, a mistake that may haunt Microsoft later this generation.
While console sales were mediocre, software sales were strong last month in Europe, largely thanks to Helldivers 2. The game has already sold 8 million copies and is not stopping anytime soon.
Almost 56% of its sales have been on PC and the rest on the PS5. All this puts Microsoft in a tricky position. However, with promising releases like Hellblade 2, Fable, and more lined up, the next two years could be game-changing for Microsoft.
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News Reporter
Abdullah is an avid gamer who primarily plays single-player titles. If you can’t find him anywhere, he’ll probably be at his desk playing The Witcher 3 for the millionth time. When he isn’t playing games, he’s either reading or writing about them.
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