The Xbox Series S Outsold PS5 in Japan Last Week, But It’s Complicated

It’s no huge secret that Microsoft has struggled to crack into the Japanese market. All 4 generations of Xbox have seen minuscule uptake in a rustic that vastly prefers to purchase home {hardware} from Nintendo and Sony. However, final week one thing extraordinary occurred. Over May 9-15, the Xbox Series S outsold the PS5 by a 2:1 ratio.

Is Xbox outselling PlayStation in Japan?

【ソフト＆ハード週間販売数】『Nintendo Switch Sports』が2週連続で首位に！ 実写ミステリアドベンチャー『春ゆきてレトロチカ』もトップ10入り【5/9～5/15】

そのほかのタイトルは⬇
　
https://t.co/7oN7mD7dUw pic.twitter.com/bXFcqCVWTM

— ファミ通.com (@famitsu) May 19, 2022

Looking at these numbers (via Famitsu), you may suppose that Microsoft has lastly hit its stride in Japan after 20 years. However, whereas the Xbox Series X|S line of consoles has bought higher, it appears to be extra of a difficulty of low PS5 inventory than a sudden burst in recognition.

Looking on the {hardware} gross sales quantity for Japan from May 9-15, 2022, we get:

1. Switch (OLED): 35,868 (1,757,190 cumulative)
2. Switch (Base Model): 20,443 (18,288,180 cumulative)
3. Xbox Series S: 6,120 (105,408 cumulative)
4. PS5 (Disc): 2,240 (1,385,128 cumulative)
5. Switch Lite: 901 (4,712,930 cumulative)
6. PS5 (Digital): 453 (235,710 cumulative)
7. New Nintendo 2DS LL: 235 (1,185,959 cumulative)
8. Xbox Series X: 105 (99,469 cumulative)
9. PS4: 22 (7,811,548 cumulative)

Another attention-grabbing stat is that the New Nintendo 2DS LL outsold each the Xbox Series X and PS4. A shocking feat contemplating the final 3DS recreation was launched nearly three years in the past.

What’s extra telling is the truth that all the 10 best-selling software program titles for this era are for the Nintendo Switch:

1. Nintendo Switch Sports: 47,525
2. Kirby: Discover of the Stars: 14,903
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: 11,127
4. eBASEBALL: Powerful Professional Baseball 2022: 10,372
5. Ring Fit Adventure: 6,839
6. Minecraft (Switch): 6,553
7. The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story: 6,409
8. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: 5,849
9. Mario Party Superstars: 4,360
10. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: 4,245

Many followers have hypothesized that Sony’s elevated concentrate on the West (together with establishing Sony Interactive Entertainment HQ in San Mateo, CA) has alienated a few of its Japanese viewers. Software gross sales closely lean towards Nintendo, which low {hardware} shares can’t completely clarify.

In different information, the next-gen The Witcher 3 port will get a brand new launch window, and the PS5 is getting its first console bundle.