Forget the upcoming PS5 vs Xbox Series X battle, the PlayStation 4 is still busy destroying the Xbox One in global hardware sales

So far in 2020, a lot of the gaming world’s focus has rested on the upcoming next-gen console battle between Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. There has been a lot of discussion on what aspect will seal victory for the companies: Will it be the power of the XSX or the exclusive titles made for the PS5? Recently shared global hardware sales data for current-generation consoles shows where Microsoft could fall down in this particular hard-fought contest.

Sony managed to shift an incredible 325,988 PlayStation 4 consoles worldwide, with 85,644 sold in North America, 115,053 moving off shelves in Europe, and 78,501 taken home in Japan. In second spot is the Nintendo Switch, which has very strong worldwide figures (see image below) and it seems to reflect the PS4's trend by having a similar level of popularity over the three vital sales regions. But it’s clear to see the Xbox One is not only flailing in overall sales figures, it is practically invisible in Japan with just 31 consoles sold.

These figures throw up a few interesting points. Regardless of the scheduled Holiday 2020 launch of the PS5, the PlayStation 4 is still selling at astronomical levels and could end up catching or even overtaking the PlayStation 2 as the best-selling console of all time. Both the PS4 and Nintendo Switch are enjoying strong sales in all three major markets, while it could be argued that only North America remains a decent stronghold for the Xbox One. The European figures are somewhat comparatively lackluster for Microsoft’s console and the Japanese sales are practically negligible.

Sales percentage totals are equally dismal for Microsoft: PS4 - 62.6%, Switch - 28.4%, Xbox - 9.0%. Popular first-party titles are undoubtedly driving PS4 sales along with numerous deals and offers for the current-generation console, while recently released games like Final Fantasy VII Remake (a timed exclusive for the PS4 until 2021) will also help push sales up. Price, teraflops, SSD speed, GPU power, and even design will all have influence over a future PS5 or Xbox Series X purchase, but this current-generation console sales data points to the singular power and importance of the exclusive title.