Xbox Series X Surges Ahead of Series S in September Sales

In September 2024, the Xbox Series X has finally outsold the Xbox Series S in the U.S. for the first time. Data from Circana indicates that the Series X has captured 58% of total Xbox Series sales that month. This marks a significant shift after years of the Series S leading the sales, where as of April 2022, 74.8% of Xbox Series owners had the S model. Overall hardware sales have seen a significant decline, down 44% compared to the previous year, with Xbox facing a 54% drop and PlayStation and Nintendo also seeing decreases. Despite these trends, the PlayStation 5 remains the best-selling console in both unit and dollar sales for September, while the release chart was led by EA Sports FC 25, exhibiting a robust month for game launches.

The shift in sales can be attributed to a variety of factors, including increased demand for the more powerful Series X model as gamers seek enhanced performance. Additionally, the broader trends in hardware spending, with significant year-over-year declines across all platforms, may have contributed to a more competitive market where the Series X is now more appealing to consumers.

The Xbox Series X and S, launched in November 2020, have been crucial for Microsoft's gaming strategy, particularly in the Xbox Game Pass era. The Series X offers enhanced graphics and performance over the Series S, which prioritizes affordability with a focus on digital gaming. The recent sales trend highlights shifting gamer preferences as more players seek out high-performance consoles for an immersive gaming experience.