Pachter estimates Xbox One outsold PS4 in September; ‘baffled’ by hate from fanboys

If Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter is correct in his estimation, then the Xbox One might have outsold the PlayStation 4 in the United States for the month of September 2014. Though we're still awaiting the results from NPD Group, Michael Pachter — who is known for his often controversial opinions and estimates — estimated that Microsoft sold 325,000 new Xbox Ones at U.S. retailers last month while Sony sold just 250,000 PS4s. If true, this would mark just the second time that the Xbox One outsold PS4 in the U.S. since both systems released last November.

“We expect Xbox One sales to exceed those of the PS4 for only the second month since launch,” Pachter said. In his note to investors, Pachter reasoned that the free game offered with the purchase of a new Xbox One at participating retailers between September 7 through September 13 might have led to an increase in sales.

Although September saw the release of Destiny, which was heavily marketed for the PS4, Pachter told GamesBeat "that free Destiny [on Xbox One] was better than [paying] for Destiny on PS4." The Madden NFL 15 Xbox One bundle, which also launched in September, meant gamers could get a new Xbox One with two blockbuster games for just $400. To do the same with the PlayStation 4, you would've had to spend $450.

It's important to remember, this is only an estimate from an analyst who covers publishers and retailers. It appears that Pachter's estimate has led to an enormous amount of hate from fanboys upset at the possibility that the Xbox One might've outsold the PS4. Pacther, who is never one to shy away from controversy as a result of his opinion, addressed the topic on Twitter.

Industry-tracking firm NPD will reveal September's sales numbers this Thursday, October 16.

[Venturebeat]