Xbox Overtakes PlayStation in U.S. Sales for the First Time in a Decade

In a remarkable shift that few anticipated, Xbox has officially overtaken PlayStation in U.S. console sales for the first time in over ten years, according to the latest figures released by NPD Group. The data, which accounts for both hardware units and dollar sales, reveals that Xbox’s momentum has been steadily climbing throughout the year, finally surpassing its long-time rival in Q2 2024.

The surge comes on the back of a multi-pronged strategy from Microsoft: aggressive Game Pass expansion, integration with PC and mobile platforms, and a string of strong exclusives — including the critically acclaimed *Avowed* and *Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II*. Additionally, the recent price drop on the Xbox Series X|S during Memorial Day weekend sparked a significant uptick in retail sales, pushing Xbox ahead in a market long dominated by Sony.

“Microsoft has done an excellent job of building an ecosystem, not just a console,” said analyst David Ahmad of Niko Partners. “That kind of value proposition—access to hundreds of games across devices—is resonating with more consumers, especially in the post-pandemic economy.”

Meanwhile, Sony has seen a slowdown in supply chain improvements and a somewhat quieter exclusive lineup, with delays on anticipated titles like *Marvel’s Wolverine* and *Fairgame$*. While the PlayStation 5 continues to perform well globally, its grip on the U.S. market appears to be loosening, raising questions about whether Sony will need to rethink parts of its domestic strategy.

Microsoft’s Phil Spencer commented on the milestone via social media, thanking fans and reaffirming the company’s commitment to “gaming for everyone, anywhere.” He also teased more announcements coming at the upcoming Xbox Showcase, fueling speculation around new hardware and first-party studio acquisitions.

While it’s too early to declare a long-term shift in console dominance, Xbox’s comeback story in the U.S. is undeniable. With competition heating up and a new generation of hardware on the horizon, the battle between Xbox and PlayStation is far from over—only now, the leaderboard has officially changed.