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Microsoft CEO: Xbox Series X|S Outsold the PS5 in the US, Canada, UK, and Western Europe in Q1 2022

Microsoft CEO: Xbox Series X|S Outsold the PS5 in the US, Canada, UK, and Western Europe in Q1 2022 - Sales

by William D'Angelo , posted on 26 April 2022 / 4,910 Views

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in an earnings call with investors discussed the success of the Xbox Series X|S and has revealed it has gained marketshare among the next-generation consoles over the last two quarters.

The Xbox Series X|S was also the best-selling next-generation console in the first quarter of 2022 in the US, Canada, UK, and Western Europe. 

"With our Xbox Series S and X consoles, we have taken share globally for two quarters in a row and were the market leader this quarter among next gen consoles in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Western Europe," said Nadella.

Microsoft CEO: Xbox Series X|S Outsold the PS5 in the US, Canada, UK, and Western Europe in Q1 2022

Nadella also mentioned more than 10 million people have used Xbox Cloud Gaming to date and the service has expanded into four new countries. 

"With Xbox Cloud Gaming… more than 10 million people have streamed games to date, and we expanded the service to four new countries," he added.

The Microsoft CEO did reveal the number of hours played by Xbox Game Pass subscribers is up 45 percent over the past 12 months and is now at billions of hours played.

"Billions of hours have been played by Game Pass subscribers over the past 12 months, up 45%," said Nadella.


A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.


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75 Comments
G2ThaUNiT (on 26 April 2022)

If you want to boast about gained market share, care to start sharing actual console numbers again Mr. Nadella? :)

Definitely makes VGChartz look pretty spot on with their estimates even more though!

  • +23
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scrapking G2ThaUNiT (on 26 April 2022)

For Nadella, Game Pass is the platform, and Xbox Series consoles only one of several ways to access it. So, yes, he did celebrate renewed success on the hardware front, but IMO it's qualified by the end goal of that success being more Game Pass subscribers.

  • +4
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pukem0n scrapking (on 26 April 2022)

selling somebody a console almost guarantees a loyal Game Pass customer though, so they shouldn't just dismiss selling consoles entirely.

  • +1
victor83fernandes pukem0n (on 26 April 2022)

They really should care about selling consoles, because less than 1% PC gamers even would care for any subscription gaming.

  • -6
ironmanDX victor83fernandes (on 26 April 2022)

Heh, that's what people said about EA Access and Gamepass back in the day.

  • +9
victor83fernandes ironmanDX (on 27 April 2022)

Yes, and that's the reality on PC, that was my point. First of all, at least 50% on PC just pirate in most countries. Most who don't, they just buy steam game sales. I do not know a single person with a PC or laptop that has gamepass.
Even I have a powerful PC, more powerful than the series X, and I don't care for gamepass, I prefer to buy my games on sale, like I always did.

  • -8
ironmanDX victor83fernandes (on 27 April 2022)

Yeah, yeah, yeah... Eksbawks bad, we get it.

  • 0
Chazore victor83fernandes (on 27 April 2022)

If most on PC pirated, then why are devs gaining sales on PC in the first place?.

Also I've heard the whole "powerful PC" ownership before, but it's the same story, and those PC's are hardly used over the obvious console ownerships by said users. I see that on twitter a lot.

  • +2
scrapking victor83fernandes (on 27 April 2022)

I think the truth is somewhere in the middle. Sony, for example, wouldn't be going to all the expense (not to mention fan backlash) of porting their first-party games to PC if piracy outweighed the sales benefit. But despite these being old games, they seem to be selling great on PC. Microsoft seems to be having lots of success in the Steam charts with games like Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon.

FWIW, and admittedly totally anecdotally, I have a friend who subscribed to PC Game Pass. No influence of mine, he and I had never discussed Game Pass previous to the conversation where he told me that he had subscribed to it. I admit I was surprised. But between Obsidian (Other Worlds) and Bethesda (Fallout, Elder Scrolls), he saw enough value in it for him.

Since then he's upgraded to Ultimate as he wanted to try game streaming too, which was something else I didn't suggest to him as I didn't think he'd be into it.

  • 0
scrapking pukem0n (on 27 April 2022)

But they didn't dismiss selling consoles entirely, they're doing it and even celebrating their renewed success on that front. But they talk about the hardware from the perspective of the platform, and Game Pass is the platform IMO. Last I checked, Microsoft's CEO's remuneration package was partly dependent on Game Pass growth, but not at all tied to Xbox hardware growth, so there's no question where their focus is.

  • 0
Qwark G2ThaUNiT (on 27 April 2022)

Precise Xbox selling numbers are irrelevant for Microsoft only outselling their main competitor in the markets they deem relevant is important and making a huge profit, to make that 75 billion back.

  • +4
DonFerrari Qwark (on 27 April 2022)

Even if only for two quarters and not combined and due to special circumstances... I'm sure he won't talk whenever they lose marketshare.

  • +3
Azzanation G2ThaUNiT (on 27 April 2022)

Brand doesnt rely solely on console sales anymore. Its actually meaningless and is only used to fan fanboy flames. Hopefully soon, they all move past these numbers and focus on the more important number, the players.

  • -5
aTokenYeti (on 26 April 2022)

VGChartz vindicated again. You all should be very proud of your work.

Absolutely massive month for Xbox. I am also now wondering if Sony missed their quarterly console shipments target

  • +10
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G2ThaUNiT trunkswd (on 26 April 2022)

When is Sony's quarterly report?

  • 0
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victor83fernandes aTokenYeti (on 26 April 2022)
  • -14
Blood_Tears (on 26 April 2022)

Nice! So they are competing with Sony now? Good to know for future flip flop PR statements.

  • +6
DonFerrari Blood_Tears (on 27 April 2022)

Just this quarter and in specifics markets, just like in the past sales only mattered in holidays.

  • +3
Signalstar (on 26 April 2022)

1) He didn't say "Worldwide"

2) If you are willing to talk about sales when you are on top you should also talk about them when you aren't.

  • +5
G2ThaUNiT Signalstar (on 26 April 2022)

Tbf, not even Sony holds a candle to Nintendo in markets like Japan, so if anyone is gonna claim worldwide, it’s gonna be Nintendo lol

  • +2
Signalstar G2ThaUNiT (on 26 April 2022)

Obviously. Not the point of this article though

  • 0
victor83fernandes G2ThaUNiT (on 26 April 2022)

Sony has made the worst possible product for Japan, most people in Japan live in tiny apartments, very cramped, they do not want a huge console. Those places will always favour portables. And in places like China, most people play PC or on laptop as piracy is very abundant.

We actually cant talk about sales until all consoles are widely available for purchase, the switch is way more available than the other 2, even tough I have seen plenty series S. Xbox in Japan is a difficult prospect, even final fantasy 7 remake is not on xbox yet, not to mention persona 5 and many others.
The switch just had the new Pokemon which is a huge franchise in Japan, no one else can compete. Not to mention rune factory 5.

  • -2
Livewitharya Signalstar (on 26 April 2022)

He did say "Globally."

  • +3
ironmanDX Livewitharya (on 26 April 2022)

Globally in Japan!?!

  • +3
Livewitharya ironmanDX (on 27 April 2022)

Globally means combined Xbox sales worldwide for the quarter was more than combined worldwide sales of PlayStation (in units).

  • +4
ironmanDX Livewitharya (on 27 April 2022)

Ah, globally in the US. Got ya.

  • +7
HoangNhatAnh ironmanDX (on 27 April 2022)

Title: Canada, UK, and Western Europe, etc. Clearly it means combined sales worldwide.

  • +6
DonFerrari HoangNhatAnh (on 27 April 2022)

At least it is more global than USA =p

  • +3
HoangNhatAnh DonFerrari (on 27 April 2022)

And it also showed Xbox sales > PS5

  • +4
JuliusHackebeil ironmanDX (on 27 April 2022)

Hehe :) I get it

  • 0
Azzanation Signalstar (on 27 April 2022)

Why should they even talk about sales in general? Means nothing to consumers

  • -7
DonFerrari Azzanation (on 27 April 2022)

And why would he talk about sales in specific market then?

  • +5
Azzanation DonFerrari (on 27 April 2022)

Why do you think?

  • 0
DonFerrari Signalstar (on 27 April 2022)

Because he will only talk about what he can see as a win.

  • +4
JackHandy (on 26 April 2022)

Shots fired lol

  • +3
DonFerrari (on 26 April 2022)

So after almost 10 years sales matter again?

  • +2
2zosteven DonFerrari (on 26 April 2022)

to the businesses the sales always matter, not sure why we all care unless you are a share holder of one or more of the companies

  • +9
Azzanation DonFerrari (on 27 April 2022)

They dont matter, its nothing more than fanning flames.

  • -10
DonFerrari Azzanation (on 27 April 2022)

So Satya is a console flamming warrior?

  • +7
Azzanation DonFerrari (on 27 April 2022)

Well yeah, why else do you think his announcing it? Puts the competition down to increase the hype of their own products.

  • 0
DonFerrari Azzanation (on 29 April 2022)

He is doing PR for his company as one would expect. I had no idea that made him a console flamming warrior, thanks for clarifying.

  • 0
Azzanation DonFerrari (on 29 April 2022)

Never said he was a console flaming warrior lol. However, outside of shareholders, these numbers only fanboys care about and it means nothing to anyone unless you are a share holder. I hope they continue to not show any numbers and we move past hardware sales and focus on the more important software sales.

  • 0
DonFerrari Azzanation (on 29 April 2022)

I asked if he was a console flamming warrior and your answer was "well yeah".
And if only fanboys care about this type of information why are you here commenting on it? Even more when you are adamant they don't matter.

  • 0
Azzanation DonFerrari (on 29 April 2022)

"Well yeah" was sarcastic. Im here to see fanboys wave flags over plastic box sales. Imagine being an adult and caring about this stuff.

  • 0
DonFerrari Azzanation (on 29 April 2022)

And watching these allegedly fanboys waving flags is the adult thing to do?

  • 0
Azzanation DonFerrari (on 29 April 2022)

I think you should be looking at the flag wavers with the comment.

  • 0
jvmkdg (on 26 April 2022)

it's easy to say that when sony is clearly having hardware manufacturing issues. I wanted to see if the manufacturing was normal. The way he talks is as if the ps5 is stranded in stores lol

  • +1
scrapking jvmkdg (on 26 April 2022)

Nedella's comments are still on point, as Microsoft has been able to grow share despite their own supply constraints on the Series X. And the success of Game Pass is a separate issue that suggests Microsoft will continue to do well, as lots of that Game Pass use will be on Xbox One consoles, and those people will likely upgrade to an Xbox Series console when the time comes. Ultimately, all three (Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo) are doing great this generation.

That said, I share your curiosity about how well each of the three will be doing once none of them are supply constrained. That will indeed be interesting.

  • +1
yvanjean (on 27 April 2022)

Great numbers considering exclusives have been lacking in 2022. All hope is on Starfield for a massive Holiday.

  • 0
Azzanation (on 27 April 2022)

Nadella needs to let Phil worry about this. Phil doesn't want to announce sales, not sure why Nadella feels the need to announce this. Who honestly cares.

  • 0
zippy (on 27 April 2022)

With cost of living prices soaring Gamepass is a very attractive proposition for more people. In the last few of weeks I've beaten Guardians of the galaxy and life is strange true colours , not to mention a lot of Forza and state of decay 2 also been played. Not bad for £11.99.

  • 0
Dimsum42 (on 27 April 2022)

These sales numbers mean nothing, both consoles are selling equally bad when it comes to what they should be selling. We wont get a proper idea of how well there both doing until the chip shortage is sorted.

  • -1
victor83fernandes (on 26 April 2022)

Typical Microsoft, they don't talk numbers until they are winning, then it becomes important all of a sudden. Where did he mentioned the PS5 being 5 million sales ahead while being more expensive?

  • -2
DonFerrari victor83fernandes (on 27 April 2022)

Doesn't matter... the sales is only relevant in these 2 quarters and markets, of course without saying how much difference in sales there was.

  • 0
victor83fernandes DonFerrari (on 28 April 2022)

Wanna bet they wont talk end of quarter numbers? I can bet you on that, because sony numbers will be better, exactly like I said.

  • +5

Which hardware numbers did they say? MS saying, they sold better isn't numbers. They are still being consistent with sharing revenue and engagement.

  • 0

They said they sold better than sony. I can guarantee you they wont mention sales being better or worse next month, I can bet you on it. They only mention numbers or selling better than ps5 when it fits them. Weren't they the ones who said console sales is not important? Then why even mentioning whenever they manage to sell more than sony?
So when Microsoft sells less than sony they say console sales don't matter, when they sell more, then suddenly console sales matter?
Did they even mention they only achieved that because ps5 is out of stock everywhere and series S is widely available? Of course not, how convenient.

  • +4
Johnd (on 26 April 2022)

Well if you are paying to hobble Sonys chip supplies its going to be easy!

  • -10
scrapking Johnd (on 26 April 2022)

I don't think they paid manufacturers to produce less for Sony. Rumour is that they paid for priority access for their own chips to be made, but that doesn't necessarily mean much of the corresponding shortfall hits Sony (it might be a little bit hits PS consoles, a little bit hits smartphone production, a little bit hits chips for cars, etc.).

  • +4
DonFerrari scrapking (on 27 April 2022)

Must be because the chip on Series is closer in similarity to PS5 than smartphone and cars (and from what we know smartphones pay more and are smaller so can produce more isn't that right?)

  • -2
smroadkill15 Johnd (on 26 April 2022)

So when Sony was paying for chip priority in 2021, did you care then? ?

  • -3
ironmanDX smroadkill15 (on 26 April 2022)

They did?!?

  • 0
pukem0n ironmanDX (on 26 April 2022)

well yeah, by this guy's logic buying manufacturing time for your own chips means hobbling the production of the other company.

  • +7
smroadkill15 ironmanDX (on 26 April 2022)

I have no idea lol. I'm just talking shit. The fact some try to say this as as way to downplay Xbox sales is funny. If Sony paid for priority last year, good for them. Anyone upset because their favorite box is losing to another box has too much time on their hands.

  • +3
2zosteven Johnd (on 26 April 2022)

where did you get that from?

  • +4
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