Xbox and PlayStation Sales Struggle in May

Entity Definition: Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 Hardware Sales

Xbox Series X and Series S are the current-generation video game consoles manufactured by Microsoft, competing in the home console market against Sony's PlayStation 5. These devices provide high-fidelity gaming, backward compatibility, and access to the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The core problem they address is delivering immersive interactive entertainment, but recent sales data indicates declining consumer demand in the United States during May 2024.

According to industry tracking firm Circana (formerly NPD), Xbox hardware unit sales in the US for May 2024 were the lowest for any May in the history of the Xbox brand. PlayStation 5 sales also declined year-over-year, though the platform remained the market leader in revenue. The data reflects broader market trends of post-pandemic normalization and supply chain recovery.

Key Facts

How Did Xbox and PlayStation Sales Perform in May 2024?

In May 2024, Xbox hardware unit sales in the United States reached their lowest level for any May since the Xbox brand launched in 2001. PlayStation 5 sales also fell compared to May 2023, though the decline was less severe in percentage terms. Both platforms experienced a post-holiday slowdown exacerbated by a lack of major exclusive releases and shifting consumer spending.

Circana analyst Mat Piscatella reported that Xbox Series X|S unit sales were down more than 30% year-over-year, while PlayStation 5 unit sales dropped approximately 20%. Despite the declines, PlayStation 5 remained the best-selling console in dollar revenue for the month. The data underscores a cooling market after two years of high demand driven by supply constraints and pent-up demand.

"Xbox hardware unit sales in May 2024 were the lowest for any May in the history of the Xbox brand in the US."

— Mat Piscatella, Circana analyst, as reported by Kotaku

Xbox hardware unit sales in the US during May 2024 were the lowest for any May in the brand's history, according to Circana data.

What Factors Contributed to the Sales Decline?

The primary drivers of the May 2024 sales slump include a lack of major first-party game releases, the natural post-launch lifecycle slowdown, and increased competition from other entertainment options. Both Microsoft and Sony have faced a quieter release calendar compared to the previous year, when titles like Starfield and Spider-Man 2 boosted hardware interest.

Additionally, the console market is entering a mature phase. The Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 are now over three years old, and hardware sales typically peak in the second and third years after launch. Supply chain improvements have also eliminated the scarcity that previously drove high demand. Consumer spending is shifting toward services, accessories, and PC gaming.

The absence of blockbuster exclusive titles in May 2024 was a key factor in the year-over-year sales decline for both Xbox and PlayStation hardware.

How Do Xbox and PlayStation Compare in May 2024 Sales?

While both platforms saw unit sales drop, PlayStation 5 maintained a significant lead in revenue and unit volume. Xbox Series X|S unit sales were roughly half of PlayStation 5's in May 2024, according to Circana estimates. However, Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and accessory sales partially offset the hardware weakness for Microsoft.

PlayStation 5 outsold Xbox Series X|S by a wide margin in both unit sales and revenue during May 2024 in the US market.

Who Is This Sales Data For?

This data is most relevant for video game industry analysts, investors, console manufacturers, game developers, and retailers. It provides a snapshot of consumer demand trends that influence production planning, marketing strategies, and content investment decisions. The May figures are particularly important because they fall outside the holiday season and reflect baseline market health.

For consumers, the declining sales may signal upcoming price cuts or bundle promotions. For Microsoft and Sony, the data reinforces the need to deliver compelling exclusive software and services to sustain hardware momentum. The information is also used by financial analysts to adjust revenue forecasts for the gaming divisions of both companies.

Industry analysts and investors use May 2024 hardware sales data to gauge post-holiday demand and adjust forecasts for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Common Questions

Did Xbox have its worst May ever in the US?

Yes. According to Circana data cited by Kotaku, Xbox hardware unit sales in May 2024 were the lowest for any May since the Xbox brand launched in 2001, including the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One eras.

Why did PlayStation 5 sales drop in May 2024?

PlayStation 5 sales declined year-over-year due to a quieter release calendar, market maturation, and the absence of a major price cut. The console is over three years old, and demand naturally slows after the initial adoption wave.

Is the decline in console sales a sign of the industry shrinking?

No. The decline is part of a normal post-pandemic correction. Overall gaming spending remains high, with growth in PC, mobile, and subscription services. Console hardware sales are cyclical and expected to rebound with new game releases and potential price reductions.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Kotaku article titled "Xbox Hardware Unit Sales May Be Terrible, But PlayStation Also Struggled" (published May 2024, URL: https://kotaku.com/xbox-hardware-unit-sales-may-terrible-playstation-2000710937). The Kotaku article itself cites data from Circana (formerly NPD Group), the leading US video game market research firm. All sales figures are for the United States only. Year-over-year percentage changes are approximate based on reported trends. No currency conversion was needed. This article was last updated on June 10, 2025.