Video games enthusiasts are rushing to pre-order their PlayStation 5 consoles ahead of the official release date in November.
Currys PC World said this week that there’s such a big interest in the next-generation console that some people have been left out, and are waiting for an allocation ahead of its official launch. The retailer said it has seen record-breaking sales for PS5 pre-orders, which sold out in just 10 minutes of going on sale.
In addition, it has had 90,000 more pre-registrations for new stock of the PS5 than it has seen for Microsoft’s rival Xbox Series S and Series X consoles, which are due to be released the same month.
It said Xbox pre-orders, which went on sale six days after the PS5, sold out within just 20 minutes, smashing expectations.
The statistics from Currys PC World’s research are quite interesting, and suggest that there’s far greater interest among gamers in the PS5 than there is in the new Xbox, though obviously both consoles are going to be big hits. For example, 88% of existing PlayStation owners have pre-ordered, or are considering pre-ordering the new console, compared to just 68% of existing Xbox owners.
“However, when it comes to loyalty, the research suggests that Xbox One owners may be switching sides, with over 51% stating they are considering purchasing the PS5, whereas just 22% of PlayStation owners would consider purchasing the Xbox Series S or X,” Currys PC World said.
Still, it said that Microsoft is not backing down in its rivalry with Sony, and that it’s planning new features to differentiate its console from the PS5. For example, there’s a new Microsoft gaming studio, a new subscription model and the Xbox All Access payment service that’s proved popular with 64% of future users, Currys PC World said.
"Currys PC World has also seen that the Xbox X series, though more expensive, has been the model of choice,” it added.
Currys PC World’s head of gaming Nick Hayden said that while Sony is currently leading, Microsoft will also enjoy very strong sales of the Xbox Series S and Series X.
“It was interesting to see the console pre-order battle play out and for PlayStation 5 to take the lead, but I wouldn’t underestimate the benefits of Xbox Series X which were not far behind PlayStation in pre-order sales,” Hayden said. “The battle isn’t over either as we move towards launch stage, more announcements of games to be made and 2021 is looking to be even better than 2020 for gamers.”
Gamers are now waiting with baited breath for the next round of PS5 and Xbox pre-orders to become available. Currys PC World said they should have at least one more shot at pre-ordering the consoles ahead of the official release date, but based on the initial reception, it’s likely that gamers will have to move very quickly to avoid being disappointed.
