The PlayStation 5 is officially the fastest-selling console in US history by dollar sales, according to a new industry report. While Sony's next-gen console was the second best-selling hardware of February 2021 (probably because nobody can get one), it's successful launch period has done more than enough to secure a top spot.
This information comes from market analysts NPD Group as part of its monthly report tracking the best selling games and hardware in the US. The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console for this month, with the PS5 just behind. Even so, Sony's console has overtaken a previous record held by the Switch to become the fastest selling console in US history, after NPD Group tracked "total dollar sales after four months in market."
It's been a heck of a few months for video games so far, most likely because of the fact most of us are still in lockdown and there's nothing else to do. Books? Never heard of 'em.
"February 2021 consumer spending across video game hardware, content, and accessories reached a February record $4.6 billion, 35% higher when compared to a year ago," the NPD Group's report explains. "Year-to-date spending totaled $9.3 billion, 39% higher than the same period in 2020."
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Monthly hardware sales saw a whopping increase of 121% this February compared to the same period last year. With a total of $406 million, they're the highest they've been since February 2011 when video game spending reached an eye-popping $468 million.
While this is great news for Sony, those of you who remain without a PS5 may be wondering when the hell you'll actually be able to get one. Sony hasn't been shy about admitting that it's currently struggling to meet the intense demand for PlayStation 5 consoles, an issue that hasn't been helped any by scalpers consistently taking whatever little stock there is when it becomes available. I guess it's all a sale for Sony though, right?
Chief financial officer Hiroki Totoki recently explained during the a recent earnings call (via Arstechnica) that it comes down to a lack of vital components needed to increase production and meet that demand.
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"It's difficult for us to increase production of the PS5 amid the shortage of semiconductors and other components," the CFO said. "We have not been able to fully meet the high level of demand from customers [but] we continue to do everything in our power to ship as many units as possible to customers who are waiting for a PS5."
It's unclear how much longer these shortages will continue, but Totoki's comments suggest it could be a while yet before Sony is able to go properly full steam ahead with its plans.
Featured Image Credit: SonyTopics: PlayStation 5, GAMING, News