TL;DR: Within the US, the Microsoft Xbox Sequence was the best-selling {hardware} platform in Q1 2022 in {dollars}, whereas the Nintendo Swap led when it comes to items offered. Sony’s PlayStation 5 is trailing behind as a consequence of its continued availability points. In the meantime, general spending on video video games and gaming {hardware} is down by 8% in comparison with Q1 2021.
Consoles, similar to graphics playing cards, have been plagued with sketchy availability and insane pricing due to the worldwide chip scarcity and scalpers. Whereas the Xbox Series S and the Nintendo Switch have been simpler to get for some time now, the PlayStation 5 stays as uncommon as ever.
Shopping for an Xbox Sequence X can nonetheless be an ordeal 17 months after its launch, however the scenario has been bettering because the console can generally be discovered at its $500 MSRP at some retailers. Because of this, Microsoft’s gross sales have been hovering, with the Xbox Sequence X/S bringing in much more cash in Q1 2022 than Nintendo’s Swap lineup.
US NPD HW – Xbox Sequence was the best-selling {hardware} platform of each March 2022 and the primary quarter in {dollars}, whereas Swap led each time durations in unit gross sales.
— Mat Piscatella (@MatPiscatella) April 25, 2022
By way of items offered, Nintendo nonetheless beat Microsoft, in all probability due to the lower cost of the Switches mixed with their extra widespread availability.
In the meantime, general gaming {hardware} gross sales within the US reached $1.2 billion, a 15% decline in comparison with Q1 2021. The rising price of residing could possibly be why many individuals are chopping down on discretionary bills. Elden Ring continues to be the best-selling recreation in March, being adopted by Gran Turismo 7 and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Sony plans to relaunch PlayStation Plus in June to tackle Microsoft’s extremely-successful Sport Go. Hopefully, the PlayStation 5 shall be extra available by then.
