Sony’s next-generation console PlayStation 4 has just crossed the major milestone of 1 million units sold in the UK in just 42 weeks from the launch.
Following Nintendo’s Wii, which shot past the million mark in just 38 weeks, the PS4 console has become the second fastest-selling console in the UK of all-time.
Chris Owen, English Community Manager at PlayStation Europe, confirmed the achievement in a tweet stating that “the PS4 has sold through 1 million units in the UK!” The company said that the millionth system was snapped up alongside “Destiny” online shooter game from the makers of “Halo.”
Destiny is one of the biggest PlayStation titles of the year and is now available in the US, Canada, and Latin America on PS4, PS3 as well as the Microsoft’s Xbox One and Xbox 360.
Sony UK Chief Fergal Gara said that the 1 million sales figure is based on the official Chart-Track data and accounts for direct sales to customers. But still, it’s only a fraction of the total of more than 10 million PS4s sold worldwide within a year from the launch.
Gara added that “Wii got there ever so slightly faster,” stressing that it is the fastest compared to any core gamer machine – any PlayStation or Xbox. However, PS4 has beat the likes of PS3 – 46 weeks and PS 2 – nearly 50 weeks to hit the 1 million mark. In comparison, Xbox 360 took around 60 weeks to cross the milestone.
“A very significant proportion” of the 1 million count is believed to be newcomers to the platform, even though those upgrading from PS3 make up for a good number. Gara said that “it’s fairly clear that a big chunk of those have come across from Xbox, which is tremendous to see.”