Microsoft has announced that their next gen console, Xbox One, has sold more than 1 million units in less than a day after it was launched in 13 countries from all over the world. This figures surpassed the previous model Xbox 360 sales, which had also set a record after its release, several years ago.
Xbox One has been released yesterday in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. Microsoft postponed the release of the console in other eight countries, arguing unknown production issues. Within the following months however, the Xbox One consoles are expecting in all other areas that were not covered by the initial launch.
On November 17, Sony has announced that the company has sold over 1 million PlayStation 4 units only in North America. The milestone was surpassed in the first 24 hours after the release of the console. PS4 also managed to beat its predecessor’s sales records and, by the end of November, as the console will be launched in other 30 countries from all around the world, we are expecting news about new sales records.
The two companies, Microsoft and Sony are in a tight competition in their attempt to revitalize the video game market, which this year fell by 32%. Both companies offer improved devices, new design, special graphics for video games and other special attractions. The official Xbox One price is $499 while the PlayStation 4 may be purchased for only $399.
Microsoft investors reported a 0.5% rise of shares yesterday in New York, reaching a maximum price of $ 37.56 / share. On the other hand, Sony’s investors in the U.S. market have lost 1.9% to $ 18.30 / share. Moreover, the biggest video game US retailer, GamesStop Corp, also reported that they have a waiting list of more than two millions customers for PS4 and Xbox One. After completing their stocks, the two companies are expecting sales of more than 3 million units by the end of this year, said Michael Olson, Piper Jaffray Cos analyst.