While the Xbox One was once considered to be losing the console wars almost before they started, it appears Microsoft has reversed those struggles. The company had been making headway before this year, though it was slow going.
Since 2016 kicked off, Microsoft has been making up ground on Sony much quicker thanks in large part to initiatives like its backwards compatibility program. This summer, the Xbox One sold more units than Sony sold PS4s for the first time since the two consoles launched in the US.
Then Microsoft did it again. Since the launch of the Xbox One S, Microsoft has touted the Xbox One S as the best selling console in the UK. The comeback the console has made is one that Microsoft is clearly quite happy about. Company representatives appear 2016 is the tipping point and they are on more solid footing when it comes to the competition with Sony’s PS4.
“Since launch, Xbox One S is Britain’s best-selling console in 2016,” Xbox UK marketing director Harvey Eagle stated in an interview with GamesIndustry.
“I put that down to a combination of things. Firstly, it is a great product with a great design, and the 4K proposition is resonating very strongly. I think we have a great selection of console bundles for those buying for the first time – particularly with FIFA, Minecraft and Battlefield as the core three options.
“I think we have a great exclusive line-up again this year. Forza Horizon 3 is a great game and really highly rated on Metacritic, and Gears of War 4 is another great example of an exclusive game.
“And with all of that at a price point that has opened us up to being more attractive to more families than ever before.”
“Momentum is really important in this business, because it gives confidence to retailers, publishers and to consumers. We are giving them confidence that they have made a right point. I think we’ll look back on 2016 as a tipping point for Xbox One. And as I look forward to 2017, we have some really great things to look forward to that will help us sustain and build on this momentum, including games like Halo Wars 2 and Sea of Thieves, and of course a new Xbox One console in Project Scorpio.”
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