If there's one thing that's defined the most recent console generation, it's shortages. Shortages of semiconductors, parts, and other components, have led to a shortage in stock for both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles and have also affected Switch production. But we seem to have hit a turnaround if August's monthly charts from GfK are anything to go by. (Thanks, Gameindustry.biz.)
In the UK, console sales for all three major manufacturers rose in August, but Sony's big white tower has seen the biggest increase (a 56% stock increase), and as a result, it has now become the best-selling console in the UK in 2022. If you've been keeping an eye on the weekly game charts, then you'll know that Horizon Forbidden West has been doing particularly well, and that's because of a PS5 bundle — and it seems to have worked.
Despite Sony's success, it's not bad news for Nintendo at all. The Switch saw a 4% rise in sales in August, and Nintendo Switch Sports is still in the top ten selling games of the month — this time, at number five (excluding digital sales). The Xbox Series consoles also saw a 20% sale increase. Console sales are still down year-on-year, however.
Even with the boost in console sales compared to July, game sales dropped by 3% from the previous month, and were 10% lower than August 2021. So it's still a challenging market out there.
Are you surprised the PS5 has overtaken the Switch? Share your thoughts in the usual spot.
[source gamesindustry.biz]
Comments 95
NintenDOOOOOOOOOOOOMED all over again?
The Switch have Splatoon 3 and the new Pokemon models incoming though.
zWitch Pro wennnnnn
That's a given but it's only one game the overall sales is Trending Switch. That's something NL can't sweep under the rung no matter what the other says.
Yeah but what releases have there been over August? Not very big ones.
But with Splatoon this month and Pokemon in November, I think the switch will be back on top.
For once, PS5 is deserved for number one place and dethroned Nintendo Switch.
Beside, I have registered almost 40 PS5 kids games on my list.
Really a good start for PS5 in my opinion.
@Anti-Matter nothing you said is coherent in your comment. What does kid games have to do with anything?
Nintendoo- ah damnit, @Silly_G beat me to it! Uh, uh....Ninten-sales lower than usual? Yeah that works.
@Bunkerneath Not to mention Bayonetta 3. If you also recall Nintendo's released Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Kirby's Dream Buffet recently, they've really got the second half of 2022 on lock!
@Anti-Matter
lol what are you talking about?
@progx
I like to play cartoonish kids games.
I have three PS5 kids games so far.
On my list, I have registered 37 PS5 kids games, those games are the already released and upcoming games that have physical release. I was excited to see more kids games on PS5. Here is the games I want to play on PS5 from my list.
1. Kao the Kangaroo
2. The Smurfs Mission Vileaf
3. Instant Sports Plus
4. Spirit of the North (Enhanced Edition)
5. Zorro the Chronicles
6. Bibi & Tina at the Farm
7. Planet Coaster
8. KeyWe
9. Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart
10. Time on Frog Island
11. Two Point Campus
12. Farm for Your Life
13. Override 2
14. LOL Surprise B.Bs Born to Travel
15. Instant Sports ALL STARS
16. Are You Smarter than 5th Grader
17. Doraemon Story of Seasons: Great Kingdom
18. Potion Permit
19. Bibi & Tina: New Adventures with Horses
20. Bunny Park
21. Paw Patrol Grand Prix
22. Lemon Cake
23. Little League Series Baseball 2022
24. Park Beyond
25. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
26. Klonoa Phantasy Reverie series
27. Horse Tales: Emerald Ranch Valley
28. Life in Willowdale
29. Cobra Kai (Rated Teen game)
30. Tin Hearts
31. Animal Kart Racer
32. Kukoo: Lost Pets
33. My Fantastic Ranch
34. Noob: The Factionless
35. Moving Out 2
36. The Outbound Ghost
37. Work From Home
Switch is an old console at this point, so is this a surprise? For being such an old console though, they’re really bringing a strong release schedule. I’m really hopeful the Switch ends it’s lifespan as the best selling console of all time.
@-wc-
I'm happy to see I have accumulated almost 40 PS5 kids games on my list.
PS5 got more kids games support like Nintendo have.
Just check my other post to see what PS5 games I want to play.
Most of them by 99% are also on Switch but I want those kids games on PS5 instead of Switch version for better performance.
I still support my Switch games library but the games I will pick will mostly 1st party Nintendo Switch games and 3rd party exclusive to Nintendo Switch or remastered from other Nintendo machines.
@Anti-Matter your obsession with kids games and kids games only is kinda worrying.
On topic: Sales will pick back up, no reason to be doom and gloom.
Even with a price rise, we’ll still buy it. Stiff upper lip
@Arkay Let's be nice; there's nothing wrong with liking a particular genre.
I think Switch will overtake PS5 this holiday because of Pokemon. It's a new generation and each new generation seems to have exactly the same effect. Making sure I preorder Scarlet/Violet this time because I totally expect there to be stock issues in December.
Was this before the PS5 price increase?
@Bomberman64 don’t think think it’s getting a price increase here.
It will rise again with Pokemon. On the other hand: Everyone who wants a Switch already has a Switch and people flock to the newest devices. I still don't think Nintendo will do the promised 7 year lifespan, by then the sales have totally dried up. I still think the succesor will be next year (with botw2). Lol, you can't change my feeling (its just a feeling, don't get worked up)!
@Arkay Although I think he preaches about it too much, he's allowed to like the games he wants to.
@Bomberman64,
Good point! Maybe people feared more increases in the future, thus immediately buying the device (normally you wait for a discount, but everything has changed sadly).
Hopefully this opens the eyes of every person on here who came at me with "the switch is still doing well and will be around for years". Next step is the slow leaks of the Next Gen switch and Nintendo re-evaluating if some projects should remain on switch or be moved to Switch 2 in order to provide a solid launch lineup. The deck is clearly having an impact, current gen hardware is clearly having an impact, and the retraction of current gen releases hasn't helped switch.
No shame in that. The system has had a fantastic run. Inspired a new class of gaming device resulting in several clones and the Steamdeck. It certainly paves the way for the next gen switch.
So by this time next year, switch 2 will be announced and likely slated for either winter or summer release.
Nearly six year old hybrid versus a much newer next-gen home console from one of the biggest players on the market. It's about time Sony's manufacturing capabilities caught up.
@NotSoCryptic Opens the eyes of people to what, exactly? The console is still selling amazingly well, and we are still in the middle of a components shortage. This news changes nothing about the calculus of releasing a new console at the moment.
@Henmii
"Everyone who wants a Switch already has a Switch"
Which is why the console is still selling tens of millions of units every year and was only recently overtaken as the best-selling console of 2022 in the UK, right?
Rumor: Switch successor will be announced at the rumored Nintendo Direct on monday
@Ralizah I think you quoted the wrong person
@somnambulance I don’t think the Switch will ever end. The name might disappear and they’ll rename the line to something else. Nintendo is positioning itself as a gaming device maker and not a console one anymore. At least, consoles as we’ve known them since the NES. If anything, the Switch is the preview (or the standard) of Nintendo’s future.
@Pk-glitch You're right. Not sure how that happened. Sorry bout that!
@Anti-Matter Good choice to play them on a superior console. I own most of your mentioned games on Switch and they really run like crap.
It is 5 years into the Switch's life, it couldn't stay on top forever.
The switch and PS5 will swap top spot here and there. Depending on Switch special edition consoles like Splatoon 3 and PS5 stock in the UK.
Good to see them both doing well.
@Arkay I kind of get it though, I do like a more mature game as well, and won't buy most of the games on Anti-Matter's list, but to some people games have to be all about joy and fun. And I've been kind of burnt out on many of the more depressing themes, colours or lack thereof, the constant fighting, the stress.. in many games. But I'll still enjoy a black and white noire story with 2 roosters investigating murders and conspiracies, or get a sequel to the Wii game Madworld.
But to me they just are mostly a means of storytelling, art, and / or joy, with some (intellectual and / or otherwise) challenges in there hopefully. Nothing worrying about someone preferring joy over everything else, maybe even on the contrary, if you think about it. Why pick stress, violence, or some other things that make "mature" games "mature"... over just fun or education or logic puzzles? Then again, of course, what is fun to you? And why worry if someone else's idea of fun is different (as long as it's harmless, obviously)? I think it's more worrying that I'd enjoy a Madworld sequel
I myself find it weird people rush games, or want to be punished for failure in a game, and got some pretty unfriendly comments when I said so recently, I suppose people just misread my intentions or whatever. This is in no way meant to be unfriendly, of course! Just my thoughts.
This cannot be!
@Outerdragon
PS5 got a price increase everywhere outside of the US.
@Anti-Matter
you are an interesting person, and your enthusiasm and evangelism for kids games is unlike any kind of fandom ive seen. cheers!
@Shambo
personally, i could give up for good playing games where you shoot people and barely miss it, but it seems like most people want most games to be mostly that, most of the time.
OTOH, games that are too easy bore me to tears! My friends playfully call my games "baby games," but when they actually try to play they generally cant handle the challenge. Back to war, crime, and murder i guess!
That's cool and all. My PS5 has been collecting dust since May when I moved on from Elden Ring. Still waiting for something good to release, maybe with the upcoming Star Ocean later this year.
@Outerdragon I thought only the US escaped the price increase. Didn't they bump it up by 100 £ (EDIT: It's 30) in the UK?
Of course in reality the actual price for a PS5 is way higher since you can't find it in stores anyways
@Bomberman64 @Outerdragon It's gone up by £30 (6% increase) in UK. It's also been announced the PS5 costs a LOT less to manufacture now as well, so no clue where this price hike comes from.
Some places are getting as badly screwed as a 20% price increase which is ridiculous.
Awesome, you can always count on Nintendo like to tell you when the Switch is not selling as well, and obviously big up the Sony PS5's performance.
@Pk-glitch I'll agree to that. He's allowed to like it, it's the fact that he preaches way too much about them any chance he gets. That is all. No personal attacks meant with my statement.
@XenoShaun that was last year, apparently production/ parts and transport costs have gone up a lot in the last 12 months so they are selling at a loss again. Even with the price increase.
Still think it's great value, loving mine.
Well sure, normies can actually buy one off the shelf now and there's an attractive bundle + a lead of releases.
@Anti-Matter
I have been playing mostly childfriendly games for the last years and I am having a great time. Those games are challenging and the atmosphere is cheerful and fun. Generally I do not consume Media that is higher than USK 12, because I think maturity has nothing to do with violence and stuff. And because I do not want to play games that make me feel bad.
I am sure the Switch will be back on top soon.
Well, PS5 is newer, and I guess sales will surge as it becomes available. Personally, my hype for PS5 has really diminished, I picked up an OLED Switch to go with my Lite, and I mostly game hand held on Switch now. Good to have a range of options for a console though. I have a lot of PS4 games digital, so might get PS5 at some point.
Probably because they seem to have the foot of the gas!
@johnvboy yes, PS Life is a great site for all of your anti-Nintendo news.
Good for Sony, looks like stock issues are getting a little better. Impressive that the 5+ year old Switch can still compete with a much newer console that's high in demand. I remember so many folks predicting that the Switch would fall off a cliff when PS5 and Series X came out.
I'd be surprised if this lasted though, with the PS5 price increase being a thing and with Pokemon on the horizon, I think Switch will be back on top.
I know you have to report this on both sites. But most people probably don't really care.
And you guys thought the Playstation fanboys would be upset with the $50 price hike and $70 for next gen upgrades and remasters...
@IronMan30,
No, it will just be us reading too much into things.
No report of the Nintendo Switch being the top seller in the last U.S NDP chart.
@Trikeboy You people do realize that this is only in the UK. The Switch is killing the competition in worldwide sales.
Still going really well though, and backed up by a great software line up this year
Oh wow, a console that released barely two years ago and that has seen constant supply constraints finally managed to beat a console that’s more than five years old.
In all seriousness, this isn’t surprising and doesn’t mean a thing. The Switch has already sold so many units that it’s a huge success. If the Switch had released only this year or last year THEN it would be concerning. But it isn’t.
This is just another sign that Nintendo should release their next console soon (I’d say in the next two years). It would be a mistake too bank on the Switch for too long.
@Anti-Matter
I guess by technicality, Astro's Playroom would also fit on that list. Never have I imagined a tech demo actually give a lot of nostalgic vibes the moment I started up the game.
Need I remind you though, a number of those games are multi-platform, which wouldn't necessarily contribute to a comparison between consoles unless you're trying to say that "the PS5 also has kids games, period." The fact of the matter is that even though Sony themselves have a variety of kid-friendly IPs, it does not really compare well with Nintendo's number.
That being said though, it really just depends on what you're looking for and how you plan on playing each of these games. I believe I'm one of the few people (in the west, obviously) who actually use the Switch as advertised, so I can understand the preference for the PlayStation 5 if there's no real scenario where you're travelling or commuting a lot.
@TheStormGL
I think it would be much safer if Nintendo were to release another Switch revision rather than a full-blown successor. The Switch is still selling at a rate where it's basically just free money for them, so why start spending money when you already have a major source of revenue? They'll release their next console when the sales significantly slow down, in a similar manner to the Wii.
Unless the failure rate of the console was high (refer to the Wii U), Nintendo is known for min-maxing the heck out of their hardware. They will push the Switch hardware to the point where the only creative ideas they have left are completely hindered by hardware constraints.
As of right now, I don't believe there are any Nintendo developers currently being limited - both Monolith Soft and Game Freak have gotten close to that point, but they've now learned how to properly optimize their games onto the Switch so they don't run like garbage anymore. Just take a look at XC3 and Scarlet/Violet in comparison to previous installments on the Switch.
@somnambulance The Switch hasn't even outsold the PS4, let alone the PS2. The PS5 is on pace to outsell the PS4, which technically it already has in terms of how long it has been out. The only reason it wasn't higher is because of the chip shortage. The Switch is a scam console that people are falling for hook, line, and sinker simply because of the first-party IP's Nintendo has. Without them, the Switch would be an abysmal failure.
It's inferior hardware to all competition, overpriced even for the hardware it has, poorly designed, and bait and switched 3DS owners. Nintendo hasn't had an original idea since the Wii, and even that was debatable.
@Amsterdamsters no, they aren't actually. The PS5 is hands down the best-selling console available right now. The Switch didn't even beat the PS4 when it was still selling.
Grow up kids. Who cares who sells the most? Fact is Nintendo always have and always will have the best exclusives. They will trounce both Ps5 and Xbox coming up to Christmas.
@westman98 in Brazil the PS5 price has stayed the same.
@ChipBoundary weirdo
it seens Switch sales has reached it peak, quite normal after 5 years as a market leader.
@somnambulance i don't doubt Switch is gonna be able to outsell PS2, it sales is already showing singns of decline, time for Nintendo to release Switch sucessor.
@smiffo99 if being right makes me weird, then I guess you're right.
Console sales being down is expected - during the pandemic people had to spend time indoors, separated from people and gaming is a good fit for that. This year people want to spend there time outdoors and at festivals etc rather than sitting in their living room
@smiffo99 they really don't. They're good, but by no means the best. Not to mention their exclusive IP's have taken an extreme dip in quality in recent years.
Hasn't the ps5 just increased its price.
I still cant get a ps5. To a point where i dont care Bout giving sony money anymore
@ChipBoundary except you are not actually right. You are deluding yourself in believing you are right. There is a difference and people will call out on your BS.
Ha 2022 is not even over yet.
@ModdedInkling
Recently during pandemic from year 2020, my hype with Switch has slowly changed back to PS4 as I have experienced with downgraded 3rd party multi console games on Switch version compared with PS4 version (in this case the games are Portal Knights, Dragon Quest Builders 2, Youtubers Life 2, Lost Sphear, Summer in Mara, etc) and I wasn't satisfied with those games purchase as it felt like waste of my money when I played the PS4 version for the same games and found better performance.
And it made me decided to give more contribution for my PS5 games library whenever I found upcoming games with PS5 version available in physical release. I can get the Switch version if I want but I want those upcoming games on PS5 version as it will have better performance and I didn't really care about portability from Switch at this moment since I spent my time mostly at home during pandemic so I can spent my time by playing my home consoles tethered to TV.
Don't get me wrong, I still like my Switch but currently my hype with Switch is not as strong as 5 years ago as my hype currently is on playing PS4 games for 3rd party multi console games.
@Arawn93 I am right, and the numbers back me up.
@ChipBoundary Scam console? Dumbest thing I've ever heard.
@ChipBoundary While it’s only an opinion (as are your statements), the Switch is most certainly superior to the 3DS. The first party titles almost always carry a Nintendo console. It’s been that way since the N64 (and could be argued that first party titles have always carried the company), but that’s fine when Nintendo constantly outdoes themselves. The Switch will certainly sell the 6 million copies it needs to sell to top the PS4. I have no doubt PS5 will recoup sales and have a strong generation as well. By my preference, the two consoles together offer the greatest range of excellent titles the industry has seen.
@Anti-Matter
When you mentioned physical, I immediately understood why you didn't choose PC. I can definitely see why you would want more performance. Why pay the same amount of money for lower quality if you aren't going to use the Switch's portability to its fullest? As for myself, depends on the game, depends on the deals, and depends on how much time I have.
Listen, the gamecube and the original x-box had superior graphics than the ps2 and you still supported the ps2 more, had everybody supported the gamecube more, than the wii, the wii u and the switch wouldn't have been underpowered to the other systems. and nintendo and some third parties still put out good games because of that.
@westman98 oh right hadn’t realised that it’s now £480 😱
I guess the PS5 had what Nintendon’t in the UK this year
@Ralizah Actually it changes quite a bit. Nintendo's been at this a while, its behavior is pretty consistent. This is in line with metrics already out there. This isn't the first dip. You don't wait till your hardware is justt not selling well. Otherwise you just end up with a lot of inventory you can't get rid of easily. We'll start to see shortages again with the hardware as well, with no rhime or reason for it. That's usually what happens next, usually around the time the leaks start to happen. I will not be surprised if we see something in march of next year.
We're already seeing other warning signs that end of life is coming. Reduced emphasis on major releases and a slowing down of such titles. We're still seeing them of course with Xenoblade 3 and Bayonetta 3, but after that we're getting into Mario Strikers territory of scrapping the bottom of the barrell with any low hanging fruit. The only other major release on the horizon is BotW2, given the history of Zelda thus far, cross generational releases are more likely than not at this point. Guaranty you the only reason we haven't seen BotW2 yet, is because they are delaying for next gen, because it is close. If they announce HD remaster ports of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, then you know they are stalling for time.
I'm not faulting the Switch, as I said great machine, but its going to start really feeling the sting if Nintendo doesn't make moves next year to remain relevant. Every third party is going to be moving on from PS4 and Xbox One next year. When that happens, Switch will lose access to more popular AAA titles. Between SSD's, RT, and the general performance of Ryzen, the Tegra X1 cannot keep up. You have competition outside of Sony and MS now, just making the situation worse.
I see this trend continuing with a short spike around maybe november before continuing to slide into irrelevance. A slow slide, but one will eventually get disrupted by new hardware from Nintendo, because they won't wait. If its backward compatible, well expect a sudden lack of interest in the Switch.
Not really surprised, as others have mentioned before me, people are rushing to buy before the price increase hits.
@NotSoCryptic I agree that you don't want to wait until your hardware isn't selling well before replacing it, ideally, but let's be real: Switch is still one of the best-selling platforms on the market. It's generally still selling more per year than the PS4 did at the height of its popularity. You don't go from moving 20+ million units to very few over the course of a year or two.
The end is coming in the new few years, and I'm sure Nintendo is preparing for that. It's probably why we're seeing them drop a bunch of special edition OLEDs now. I expect the same will happen with Zelda next year. But no, the current news reflects Sony's own improved manufacturing capabilities and little else. You would have seen headlines like this years ago if the chip shortage hadn't been a thing, frankly.
i have not seen anything that would make me want a ps 5. switch and xbox are great though
@ChipBoundary What kind of doodoo statistics are you spouting here? PS5 has 20 million sales in 2 years, so 10 million a year on average. Switch has 111 million in 5 1/2 years, so 20 million a year average, and 6 million away from PS4 which it will pass before the year is over. If PS5 wants to pass PS4 it would take 12 years at their current average so not even close to "on track". tHe nUmBeRz bAcK mE Up lol oof
People only buy it for Nintendo's amazing games? So what? That's a LOT of amazing games (and among their highest rated/selling in each series' history, contradicting your "dip in quality" BS) without 3rd party support which is more than Sony or MS can ever say, and so what if Nintendo prices a console according to demand? Your complaints are so odd.
Removed - trolling/baiting
No. Switch is still best selling console this year. In america that is. Sony is complete crap cant compare to switch nor xbox one x series. Sony is have grave complications. People are complaining about the ps5 sevices mess or freeze or cant buy things. blackout or glitches ongoing. Sony hasnt perfected their system. Xbox one x series had no problems when it first came out. Sony aka ps5 had many problems an recalls.
So switch never had that much of problem nor does xbox one x series. So sony isnt the best. It has become the worst console ever with so much problems.
@Anti-Matter Most of them by 99% are also on Switch but I want those kids games on PS5 instead of Switch version for better performance.
The issue here is portability-Switch does good for outing fun. And Performance issue hasn't been a issue for me. That's the low hanging fruit here. So I will have to disagree on this part. You can't just unplug a running game and plug back in and start where you paused. And Sony killed the Vita so they are the only one to blame here.
@SwitchForce
Well, I bought the games only once so I want the best version as possible. For the multi consoles 3rd party games, I have decided to pick either PS4 / PS5 version instead of Switch version not only for the best performance but I want to build my PS4 / PS5 games library.
I'm totally fine to sacrifice the portability to get better performance (faster loading time, stable 60 fps, better 3D textures, etc) since I also played other consoles games (Wii U, Wii, PS2, PS3, PS4) by using TV.
Listen, I still like my Nintendo Switch but after I have experienced with downgraded of 3rd party multi console games on Switch version, I changed my mind to pick the PlayStation version. Even I gave more games to PS4 / PS5 version, on my list I still have more Switch games than my PS4 / PS5 games with dominance of 1st party Nintendo Switch games and 3rd party Switch exclusives since my PS4 / PS5 games are 99% depended on 3rd party multi console games so I want my Switch and PS4 / PS5 games got their games in equal amount.
@ChipBoundary Do you have any idea how stupid you sound saying complete nonsense like "Nintendo hasn't made a quality game in the better part of a decade", "Everything else they've made is trash" and "Breath of the Wild is absolute garbage. Completely unplayable".
If you truly feel that way than why are you here on this website. Are you such a Sony fanboy that you need to pile ***** on Nintendo to make your system of choice look better?
Seriously, I have not seen this level of immature, insecure fanboyism on the internet for a long time, and that's saying something.
@Slain not a fanboy at all. I've owned every console up until the Wii from Nintendo, every Microsoft console except the Series X, every Sony console, and every Sega console. I'm a GAME fan. I like video games.
I'm here because they talk about things that occasionally interest me, they talk about older games as well. You speak of fanboyism....yet the people here try to justify the paying of full console price for a Wii U peripheral. That's all the Switch is.
@ChipBoundary Hottest take I've heard. The switch is arguably the most original console that has been made up to this point. The "dip in quality" is just downright wrong, with most series having their highest rated games up to this point, as mentioned by others. And if the switch only sold around 12 million first year, that makes it look even better, with around 25 million units sold every year after. While the PS5 is still selling well, it is in no way a match for the Switch.
Removed - trolling/baiting
@ChipBoundary wow what complete and utter twaddle you've written in this comment thread, pressing ignore on you will be exceptionally satisfying.
Oh yeah, that hit the spot!
@ChipBoundary Congratulations! Just when I thought you couldn't say anything dumber, you compare the Switch to a Wii U peripheral. Bravo!
@ChipBoundary
Dude I have to say NO on Nintendo’s primary franchises taking a hit. Which franchises? Mario….Kart8 best selling ever and most content and still being supported with new content. MarioO best 3D mario and great seller. Zelda BOTW totally expanded the Zelda game concept best Zelda seller, Luigi got a great new mansion game, two Kirby games, yoshi game, paper mario game….new Metroid 2D best seller and best Metroid ever. Animal Crossing what over 30M units. They been ‘messing’ with Pokémon a bit but it still sold unreal and the upcoming titles will do over 30M sales. Switch is Nintendo’s first console that will pass 1B units software sales and most of it is first party titles. So sure Switch is getting a bit long in the tooth but N’s franchises are doing better than ever and there is more than ample data both in sales and high critic scores by most of their releases. Everything is fine in Nintendo land and Switch aint done yet as there are still more top franchise releases on the way.
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