The Xbox One's run as the top-selling console in the United States was shortlived as NPD Group's latest report reveals that the PlayStation 4 was the best-selling console for May 2015.
Though specific hardware sales numbers for the month weren't published in the report, Sony did release a statement touting the PS4's impressive lifetime sales. "As we head into E3, we would like to thank gamers for making PS4 the top selling console and the leader in software sales in the U.S. in May," the statement reads. "PS4 continues to be the cumulative sales leader in the US and globally with more than 20 million consoles already in the market. We are truly humbled by this success and we look forward to sharing what’s next for PS4 at our E3 press conference on June 15."
Overall, May 2015's hardware sales decreased 18 percent year-over-year. New hardware sales for the month generated $153.6 million compared to last year's $186.4 million. According to NPD Group, the drop in sales wasn't due to poor Xbox One or PS4 sales.
"Hardware unit sales for eight generation consoles were stable from May 2014, with the largest percentage and volumentric declines stemming from a drop in seventh generation consoles," NPD Group's Liam Callahan wrote.
"Year-to-date hardware unit sales are stable with a slight 1 percent decrease from the same time period last year," he continued. "Eight generation unit sales are stable, with seventh generation down 45 percent, and portable hardware sales up 41 percent."
May 2015's overall sales of $507.6 million — across hardware, new physical software, and accessories – were down 13 percent from last year's $584.9 million.
With E3 right around the corner, expect sales to pick up as new games are announced, possibly encouraging late adopters to finally make the transition to current-gen systems.
