Microsoft has been on a bit of a tear lately. For the last three months, data tracking site NPD has reported the Xbox One has topped the console sales charts. In a statement given to Destructoid, Microsoft is claiming that its streak is continuing for a fourth straight month. Without giving sales numbers, the Redmond, Washington company says the Xbox One was “October’s best-selling console.”
The Xbox One’s sales win streak over Sony PlayStation 4 kicked off in July. In anticipation of August’s release of the slimmer Xbox One S, reduced pricing of the original model spurred a boost in sales. The sales lead has continued despite Sony’s release of the PlayStation 4 Slim in September and anticipation for the beefier PlayStation 4 Pro yesterday.
Microsoft states that the most recent surge in sales is thanks in major part to sales of Gears of War 4 and Battlefield 1. The former is a Microsoft exclusive and Microsoft claims it is the “top exclusive selling game of October.”
Though Microsoft has reason to feel proud for its recent streak, it was Sony who has enjoyed a sales lead for the majority of this generation. Microsoft’s recent boost has as much to do with Sony’s recent lethargy as it does with Microsoft’s brand refocusing. From the onset, Sony’s eighth generation console has handily trounced the Xbox One. Most of that was Microsoft’s fault; its early focus on DRM and TV features famously turned off gamers. Credit goes to Xbox division head Phil Spencer, who reoriented the console’s focus and direction. It’s more of a two-horse race now, even if Sony still has a comfortable lead.
