Update []:
In the aftermath of data from the UK this Black Friday, we now know how the PS5 performed in the USA, through the week ending 30th November.
According to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, the PS5 was the best-selling console of the week, accounting for an incredible 47% of the sales.
The Switch 2 finished in second position with 24% of the sales, while the family-friendly camera-based gaming device the NEX Playground finished third, with 14% of the sales.
That means the original Switch and Xbox Series X|S – as well as any other remaining legacy devices like the PS4 et al – were left to fight over the remaining 15% of the sales.
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It’s a dominating performance from the PS5 which, admittedly, was discounted.
What’s particularly interesting is to see the NEX Playground overtake the Xbox Series X|S.
Last week we got similar information that the device had overtaken the PS5, although this required the various SKUs of Sony’s system to be split up; here they’re combined.
Original Story: PS5 absolutely obliterated its rivals in the UK this Black Friday, selling an outrageous 62% of all console hardware during the week ending 30th November.
To put the number into perspective, the newly released Switch 2 – in its first Black Friday – made up 23% of the sales, while the Xbox Series X|S occupied 10%, and the original Switch just 5%.
To be fair, Sony’s been marketing the **** out of the PS5 this Christmas, and it plunged prices worldwide to some record lows.
While years of price rises mean the deals haven’t looked all that eye-popping, the average selling price of the system hit £340, which is actually one of only a handful of times it’s been below £400 since launching in 2020.
This all helped lift hardware revenue by 14% year-over-year, with PS5 driving a lot of the improvements.
It was a big week in general for PlayStation, with discounts on PSVR2 also handing the headset its biggest sales week of the year – although that’s not particularly surprising given its price.
Sony will have expected to see similar momentum across the world, as it works to hit 100 million units ahead of the release of GTA 6 next year. Considering its current install base sits at 84.2 million, we reckon it’ll reach that milestone easily before 19th November.
[source thegamebusiness.com]
PS5 Dominates USA and UK on Black Friday, Comfortably Outsells All Its Rivals
Unmatched Sales performance of PS5 in USA and UK Markets
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) has once again demonstrated its overwhelming popularity by dominating Black Friday sales across both the USA and UK markets.Despite fierce competition from rivals like Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch, the PS5 comfortably outsold all competing consoles during one of the most competitive shopping events of the year.This dominance indicates not only strong consumer loyalty towards PlayStation but also the success of Sony’s strategic pricing and exclusive game offerings.
Sales Snapshot: PS5 vs. Competitors
| Console | Units Sold (USA) | Units Sold (UK) | Black Friday Discount Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | 125,000+ | 45,000+ | Up to 15% off bundles & accessories |
| Xbox Series X | 70,000+ | 30,000+ | Up to 12% off select bundles |
| Nintendo Switch | 60,000+ | 25,000+ | Up to 10% off select editions |
By analyzing the above data, its evident that the PS5 made meaningful gains, especially in bundle sales, aided by attractive offers such as discounted DualSense Edge controllers and exclusive game packages. The Sony platform’s focus on premium yet accessible content helped convert Black Friday shoppers into buyers in volumes unmatched by competitors.
Key Factors Driving PS5’s Black Friday Success
- strategic bundle Offers: Retailers across the USA and UK offered compelling PS5 bundles including top-tier games and accessories. Special deals on items like the DualSense Edge controller increased the overall perceived value.
- Strong Exclusive Titles: titles such as “Horizon Forbidden West,” “spider-Man: Miles Morales,” and upcoming highly anticipated exclusives created strong demand around the PS5.
- Broad Retail Availability: Despite ongoing global supply constraints, Sony ensured sustained availability across key retail partners, minimizing stockouts that frequently enough hinder sales.
- Competitive Pricing: Gradual pricing strategies offset by discounts on peripherals and services like PlayStation Plus provided extensive value to buyers.
- effective Marketing campaigns: Sony’s focused marketing with influencers, social media campaigns, and timed promotions amplified excitement leading up to Black Friday.
Consumer Insights: What Buyers Are Saying
Firsthand accounts reveal that many consumers were drawn to the improved hardware design, faster load times, and the next-level gaming experience PS5 offers. Buyers from both the USA and UK praised the console’s aesthetics and the immersive features of the DualSense controllers, which played a critical role in influencing purchase decisions during Black Friday.
Reddit discussions also indicate skepticism about deep discounts on the premium DualSense Edge controller, yet users acknowledged the overall value in bundled deals and instant savings on PS5 hardware purchasing[[1]](https://www.reddit.com/r/playstation/comments/17kk461/dualsense_edge_black_friday/).
Practical Tips to Secure the Best PS5 Black Friday Deals
- Monitor Retailer Bundles Early: Keep an eye on deals from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy (USA), and Costco (UK), which often provide the best value bundles[[2]](https://www.reddit.com/r/playstation/comments/17pdd5i/original_ps5_bundle_at_costco_is_it_a_bargain/).
- Sign Up for Store Alerts: Many retailers send early notifications of Black Friday deals via newsletters or apps. Immediate alerts can help you act fast on limited-stock offers.
- Consider Accessories & Subscriptions: Bundles including PlayStation Plus subscriptions or exclusive accessories like the PS5 DualSense controllers add value and make your purchase more worthwhile.
- Verify Authenticity & Warranty: Buy only from authorized sellers to avoid counterfeit products, especially during high-demand periods.
- Check Return Policies: Flexible return policies can save potential hassles if you reconsider your purchase later.
Market impact & Industry Response
The PS5’s unparalleled black Friday performance has broader implications in the gaming console industry:
- Pressure on Competitors: Xbox and Nintendo are pushed to innovate and sharpen their promotions to capture market share.
- Supply Chain Investments: Sony’s sustained efforts to address supply shortages pay off, encouraging further investments into manufacturing and logistics.
- Shift Toward Subscription Services: With PlayStation Plus bundles gaining traction, there is a clear movement toward hybrid revenue models combining hardware and ongoing service subscriptions.
- Innovation Incentives: Success paves the way for Sony to accelerate progress of next-gen features and exclusive content.
Black Friday Sales by Region
| Region | Top-Selling Console | Approximate Units Sold | Top Bundle Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | PlayStation 5 | 125,000+ | Game + DualSense Edge controller |
| UK | PlayStation 5 | 45,000+ | Game + PlayStation Plus subscription |
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum Post-Black Friday
Maintaining this momentum into the holiday season and beyond will be key for Sony’s PlayStation brand. Here are strategic pointers for consumers and industry watchers:
- Consumers: Engage with Sony’s upcoming game releases and seasonal sales to maximize value.
- Retailers: Continue aggressive bundling strategies and flexible financing options.
- Sony: Expand PS5 production and global marketing while innovating on the DualSense controller experience to retain top market position.
