The launch of the Xbox Series X/S has been a huge success, as the consoles have had the most successful launch in Microsoft's history. The current-gen systems released under some of the harshest circumstances imaginable, and it has been no easier to buy once in 2021.
Despite the mixture of COVID-19 pandemic-related production/distribution issues, and the ever-present threat of scalpers grabbing up consoles whenever possible, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S have had a rousing start. The two systems have shipped an incredible amount of units since launch, and we're only now beginning to see some hard numbers. The first earnings calls of the current-gen are starting to come out, and we're getting a picture of how well different companies did at the end of 2020.
Microsoft has held its Q2 2021 Earnings Conference Call, which has been transcribed by Seeking Alpha, According to CEO Satya Nadella, the launch of the Xbox Series X/S was the most successful console launch in Microsoft's history. Nadella didn't reveal an exact figure regarding consoles sold, but he did confirm that Game Pass now has 18 million subscribers. Xbox Live now has over 100 million monthly active users across all platforms. Microsoft has earned over five billion in revenue from gaming for the first time ever this past quarter.
Many gamers were quick to spell doom for the Xbox Series X/S at launch. The delay of Halo Infinite and The Medium, the latter of which launches soon, meant that the system had no launch exclusives. Meanwhile, the PS5 was making waves with its fancy hardware gimmicks, while the Nintendo Switch was being successful by virtue of being on store shelves. The power of Game Pass shouldn't be underestimated, however, and it's hard to argue the incredible value of the service, coupled with the amazing tech of the new Xbox systems. It seems that consumers have also seen the appeal of Game Pass, and they've turned out in droves for the new Xbox systems.
The Xbox One was thrashed by the Ps4 during its era, and Microsoft has learned its lesson going into this generation. The ZeniMax Media purchase ensures that the Xbox brand can match Sony in terms of exclusives, while Game Pass will continue to outpace anything on PS Now. The PS5 might have gained an early lead over the Xbox Series X/S, but this console war is far from over. The incredible success of the Xbox Series X/S at launch, as well as the growing influence of Game Pass in the gaming landscape, proves that Microsoft has what it takes to overtake Sony.
Source: Seeking Alpha