Gamers prefer PS4 over Xbox One, new holiday poll finds

A new poll from Reuters/Ipsos indicates that gamers are more likely to purchase the PlayStation 4 over the Xbox One when the two next-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft, respectively, launch this holiday season.

Of the 1,297 people surveyed online, 26 percent would opt for a PS4 when it becomes available, versus just 15 percent in favor of the Xbox One. Getting into specifics, 41 percent of the 408 people below the age of 40 picked the PS4 versus 27 percent for the Xbox One.

Now obviously this is a very limited sample size, but as Reuters notes, "The results potentially point to a lopsided battle during the crucial holiday season."

For what it's worth, both the Xbox One and PS4 have been selling out at retailers, though the number of units made available for each retailer may have more to do with that than actual pre-order numbers. The number Microsoft and Sony, as well as retailers, should really look at is the 64 percent of total respondents that said they would not buy any new game hardware this season — whether it be a next-gen system or the newly announced 2DS.

The slumping games industry is desperately looking toward the next-generation for a much-needed boost in sales. Many are hoping the PS4 and Xbox One can deliver, though these numbers seem to suggest otherwise.

Do you plan on purchasing an Xbox One or PS4 at launch?