Welcome to the March 2023 VGChartz estimates thread. In this thread the articles breaking down the different sales for 2023 will be posted.

You can go to the front page of the site and use the drop down to see the different weekly sales. 

Worldwide Hardware Estimates for March 2023

Link to VGChartz article here.

The PlayStation 5 was the best-selling console worldwide with 2,012,787 units sold for March 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The PlayStation 5 has now sold an estimated 35.80 million units lifetime worldwide.

The Nintendo Switch sold an estimated 1,135,507 units to bring its lifetime sales to 123.91 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 556,014 units to bring their lifetime sales to 21.35 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 19,482 units to bring its lifetime sales to 117.02 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are up by over 927,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by nearly 86,000 units. PS4 sold 1,085,421 units for the month of March 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 470,161 units.

PlayStation 5 sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 1,285,713 (+176.8%). Nintendo Switch sales are down by 450,340 units (-28.4%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 343,537 units (-38.2%). The PlayStation 4 is down 25,350 units (-56.5%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, the PlayStation 5 sales are up by nearly 74,000 units, Xbox Series X|S sales are up by nearly 35,000 units, and Nintendo Switch sales are up by nearly 197,000 units. It should be noted March is a five week month, while February is a four week month.

2023 year-to-date, the PlayStation 5 has sold an estimated 5.28 million units, the Nintendo Switch has sold 3.21 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 1.52 million units.

Check out the breakdown of the Americas sales here, the Europe sales here, and the Japan sales here.

Monthly Sales:

Global hardware estimates for March 2023 (Followed by lifetime sales):

1. PlayStation 5 - 2,012,787 (35,804,643)
2. Switch - 1,135,507 (123,911,268)
3. Xbox Series X|S - 556,014 (21,351,543)
4. PlayStation 4 - 19,482 (117,020,546)

Weekly Sales:

Global March 4, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 436,317
2. Switch - 233,178
3. Xbox Series X|S - 98,649
4. PlayStation 4 - 4,904

Global March 11, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 410,774
2. Switch - 222,565
3. Xbox Series X|S - 106,497
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,874

Global March 18, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 378,024
2. Switch - 219,528
3. Xbox Series X|S - 103,072
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,242

Global March 25, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 417,803
2. Switch - 224,084
3. Xbox Series X|S - 128,869
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,758

Global April 1, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 369,869
2. Switch - 236,152
3. Xbox Series X|S - 118,927
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,704

Americas Hardware Estimates for March 2023

Link to VGChartz article here.

The PlayStation 5 was the best-selling console in the Americas (USA, Canada, & Latin America) with 811,288 units sold for March 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The PlayStation 5 has now sold an estimated 16.10 million units lifetime in the Americas.

The Nintendo Switch sold an estimated 392,078 units to bring its lifetime sales to 47.86 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 367,728 units to bring their lifetime sales to 12.46 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 3,666 units to bring its lifetime sales to 41.56 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are up by nearly 430,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by nearly 79,000 units. PS4 sold 381,502 units for the month of March 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 289,004 units.

The PlayStation 5 in March is now tracking ahead of the PlayStation 4 in the Americas. The PlayStation 5 also set a PlayStation record for most units sold in the month of March beating the previous record holder, which was set by the launch of the PSP in March 2005.

PlayStation 5 sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 475,307 (141.5%). Nintendo Switch sales are down by 196,761 units (-33.4%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 224,884 units (-38.0%). The PlayStation 4 is down 20,691 units (-85.0%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, the PlayStation 5 sales are up by over 145,000 units, Nintendo Switch sales are up by over 29,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are up by nearly 57,000 units.  It should be noted March is a five week month, while February is a four week month.

2023 year-to-date, the PlayStation 5 has sold an estimated 1.98 million units, the Nintendo Switch has sold 1.08 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 0.97 million units.

Monthly Sales:

Americas hardware estimates for March 2023 (Followed by lifetime sales):

1. PlayStation 5 - 811,288 (16,098,115)
2. Switch - 392,078 (47,864,349)
3. Xbox Series X|S - 367,728 (12,461,024)
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,666 (41,563,998)

USA hardware estimates for March 2023:

1. PlayStation 5 - 680,226
2. Switch - 330,167
3. Xbox Series X|S - 310,081
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,126

Weekly Sales:

March 4, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. PlayStation 5 - 151,168
2. Switch - 74,204
3. Xbox Series X|S - 66,071
4. PlayStation 4 - 747

USA:

1. PlayStation 5 - 126,528
2. Switch - 62,629
3. Xbox Series X|S - 55,723
4. PlayStation 4 - 634

March 11, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. PlayStation 5 - 152,378
2. Switch - 73,117
3. Xbox Series X|S - 67,871
4. PlayStation 4 - 739

USA:

1. PlayStation 5 - 127,879
2. Switch - 61,732
3. Xbox Series X|S - 57,341
4. PlayStation 4 - 628

March 18, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. PlayStation 5 - 156,946
2. Switch - 81,260
3. Xbox Series X|S - 69,165
4. PlayStation 4 - 735

USA:

1. PlayStation 5 - 131,651
2. Switch - 68,442
3. Xbox Series X|S - 58,298
4. PlayStation 4 - 624

March 25, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. PlayStation 5 - 185,089
2. Xbox Series X|S - 85,354
3. Switch - 77,078
4. PlayStation 4 - 731

USA:

1. PlayStation 5 - 155,212
2. Xbox Series X|S - 71,873
3. Switch - 64,836
4. PlayStation 4 - 622

April 1, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. PlayStation 5 - 165,707
2. Switch - 86,419
3. Xbox Series X|S - 79,267
4. PlayStation 4 - 714

USA:

1. PlayStation 5 - 138,956
2. Switch - 72,528
3. Xbox Series X|S - 66,846
4. PlayStation 4 - 618

Europe Hardware Estimates for March 2023

Link to VGChartz article here.

The PlayStation 5 was the best-selling console in Europe with 597,455 units sold for March 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The PlayStation 5 has now sold an estimated 10.93 million units lifetime in Europe.

The Nintendo Switch sold an estimated 273,576 units to bring its lifetime sales to 31.56 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 133,983 units to bring their lifetime sales to 5.74 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 5,506 units to bring its lifetime sales to 45.83 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are up by over 155,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are down by nearly 6,000 units. PS4 sold 442,006 units for the month of March 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 139,833 units.

PlayStation 5 sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 453,612 (315.4%). Nintendo Switch sales are down by 73,624 units (-21.2%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 45,727 units (-25.4%). The PlayStation 4 is down 3,728 units (-40.4%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, the PlayStation 5 sales are up by over 109,000 units, Nintendo Switch sales are up by over 78,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are up by nearly 17,000 units. It should be noted March is a five week month, while February is a four week month.

2023 year-to-date, the PlayStation 5 has sold an estimated 1.49 million units, the Nintendo Switch has sold 0.80 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 0.36 million units.

Monthly Sales:

Europe hardware estimates for March 2023 (Followed by lifetime sales):

1. PlayStation 5 - 597,455 (10,927,702)
2. Switch - 273,576 (31,560,102)
3. Xbox Series X|S - 133,983 (5,741,588)
4. PlayStation 4 - 5,506 (45,831,900)

Weekly Sales:

Europe March 4, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 118,391
2. Switch - 53,882
3. Xbox Series X|S - 23,686
4. PlayStation 4 - 1,844

Europe March 11, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 118,837
2. Switch - 53,471
3. Xbox Series X|S - 24,387
4. PlayStation 4 - 902

Europe March 18, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 118,670
2. Switch - 53,988
3. Xbox Series X|S - 24,658
4. PlayStation 4 - 966

Europe March 25, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 130,424
2. Switch - 56,467
3. Xbox Series X|S - 32,419
4. PlayStation 4 - 934

Europe April 1, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 111,133
2. Switch - 55,768
3. Xbox Series X|S - 28,833
4. PlayStation 4 - 860

Japan Hardware Estimates for March 2023

Link to VGChartz article here.

The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console in Japan with 287,226 units sold for March 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The Nintendo Switch has now sold an estimated 28.71 million units lifetime in Japan.

The PlayStation 5 sold an estimated 257,438 units to bring its lifetime sales to 3.24 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 7,462 units to bring its lifetime sales to 9.61 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 5,463 units to bring their lifetime sales to 0.44 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are up by over 106,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by nearly 5,000 units. PS4 sold 150,965 units for the month of March 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 767 units.

PlayStation 5 sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 163,136 (173.0%). Nintendo Switch sales are down by 73,335 units (-20.3%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 1,837 units (-25.2%). The PlayStation 4 is up 7,412 units (14,824.0%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, Nintendo Switch sales are up by over 66,000 units, the PlayStation 5 sales are down by nearly 110,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by over 20,000 units. 

Monthly Sales:

Japan hardware estimates for March 2023 (Followed by lifetime sales):

1. Switch - 287,226 (28,708,735)
2. PlayStation 5 - 257,438 (3,237,213)
3. PlayStation 4 - 7,462 (9,614,303)
4. Xbox Series X|S - 5,463 (438,118)

Weekly Sales:

Japan March 4, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 78,436
2. Switch - 66,539
3. PlayStation 4 - 1,658
4. Xbox Series X|S - 851

Japan March 11, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 64,892
2. Switch - 59,914
3. Xbox Series X|S - 2,872
4. PlayStation 4 - 1,608

Japan March 18, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 49,594
2. PlayStation 5 - 40,437
3. PlayStation 4 - 1,121
4. Xbox Series X|S - 542

Japan March 25, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 54,622
2. PlayStation 5 - 38,988
3. PlayStation 4 - 1,526
4. Xbox Series X|S - 571

Japan April 1, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 56,557
2. PlayStation 5 - 34,685
3. PlayStation 4 - 1,549
4. Xbox Series X|S - 627

Link to VGChartz article here.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X|S vs Switch 2023 Japan Sales Comparison Charts Through March

Here we see data representing the sales through to consumers and change in sales performance of the three current platforms (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch) and two legacy platforms (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) over comparable periods for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Also shown is the market share for each of the consoles over the same periods.

Year to Date Sales Comparison (Same Periods Covered)

Market Share (Same Periods Covered)

2020 – (January 2020 to March 2020)

2021 – (January 2021 to March 2021)

2022 – (January 2022 to March 2022)

2023 – (January 2023 to March 2023)

"Year to date" sales for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 sales are shown in series at the top of the table and then just below a comparison of 2023 versus 2022 and 2023 versus 2021 is displayed.  This provides an easy-to-view summary of all the data.

Total Sales and Market Share for Each Year

Microsoft

• Xbox Series X|S
• 0.04 million units sold year-to-date
• Up year-on-year 319 units (0.9%)

Nintendo

• Nintendo Switch
• 0.82 million units sold year-to-date
• Down year-on-year 320,732 units (-28.0%)

Sony

• PlayStation 5
• 0.81 million units sold year-to-date
• Up year-on-year 585,830 units (258.3%)
• PlayStation 4
• 0.02 million units sold year-to-date
• Up year-on-year 19,329 (12,800.7%)

The Europe estimates will be out later today. It takes time to go through the data and input it in all the countries/regions of Europe.

Link to VGChartz article here.

PS5 Sells Nearly 600K, NS and XS Sales Drop - Europe Hardware Estimates for March 2023

The PlayStation 5 was the best-selling console in Europe with 597,455 units sold for March 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The PlayStation 5 has now sold an estimated 10.93 million units lifetime in Europe.

The Nintendo Switch sold an estimated 273,576 units to bring its lifetime sales to 31.56 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 133,983 units to bring their lifetime sales to 5.74 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 5,506 units to bring its lifetime sales to 45.83 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are up by over 155,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are down by nearly 6,000 units. PS4 sold 442,006 units for the month of March 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 139,833 units.

PlayStation 5 sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 453,612 (315.4%). Nintendo Switch sales are down by 73,624 units (-21.2%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 45,727 units (-25.4%). The PlayStation 4 is down 3,728 units (-40.4%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, the PlayStation 5 sales are up by over 109,000 units, Nintendo Switch sales are up by over 78,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are up by nearly 17,000 units. It should be noted March is a five week month, while February is a four week month.

2023 year-to-date, the PlayStation 5 has sold an estimated 1.49 million units, the Nintendo Switch has sold 0.80 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 0.36 million units.

Monthly Sales:

Europe hardware estimates for March 2023 (Followed by lifetime sales):

1. PlayStation 5 - 597,455 (10,927,702)
2. Switch - 273,576 (31,560,102)
3. Xbox Series X|S - 133,983 (5,741,588)
4. PlayStation 4 - 5,506 (45,831,900)

Weekly Sales:

Europe March 4, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 118,391
2. Switch - 53,882
3. Xbox Series X|S - 23,686
4. PlayStation 4 - 1,844

Europe March 11, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 118,837
2. Switch - 53,471
3. Xbox Series X|S - 24,387
4. PlayStation 4 - 902

Europe March 18, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 118,670
2. Switch - 53,988
3. Xbox Series X|S - 24,658
4. PlayStation 4 - 966

Europe March 25, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 130,424
2. Switch - 56,467
3. Xbox Series X|S - 32,419
4. PlayStation 4 - 934

Europe April 1, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 111,133
2. Switch - 55,768
3. Xbox Series X|S - 28,833
4. PlayStation 4 - 860

Link to VGChartz article here.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X|S vs Switch 2023 Europe Sales Comparison Charts Through March

Here we see data representing the sales through to consumers and change in sales performance of the three current platforms (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch) and two legacy platforms (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) over comparable periods for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Also shown is the market share for each of the consoles over the same periods.

Year to Date Sales Comparison (Same Periods Covered)

Market Share (Same Periods Covered)

2020 – (January 2020 to March 2020)

2021 – (January 2021 to March 2021)

2022 – (January 2022 to March 2022)

2023 – (January 2023 to March 2023)

"Year to date" sales for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 sales are shown in series at the top of the table and then just below a comparison of 2023 versus 2022 and 2023 versus 2021 is displayed.  This provides an easy-to-view summary of all the data.

Total Sales and Market Share for Each Year

Microsoft

• Xbox Series X|S
• 0.36 million units sold year-to-date
• Down year-on-year 62,830 units (-15.0%)

Nintendo

• Nintendo Switch
• 0.80 million units sold year-to-date
• Down year-on-year 179,305 units (-18.3%)

Sony

• PlayStation 5
• 1.49 million units sold year-to-date
• Up year-on-year 1,089,639 units (269.7%)
• PlayStation 4
• 0.02 million units sold year-to-date
• Down year-on-year 11,760 (-43.9%)

Europe Q1 Sales

PS5 (Q1 2023) = 1494k
PS4 (Q1 2016) = 1166k
PS3 (Q1 2009) = 639k

Xbox 360 (Q1 2008) = 622k
Xbox Series (Q1 2023) = 355k
Xbox One (Q1 2016) = 343k

DS (Q1 2009) = 1848k
DS (Q1 2010) = 1318k
Switch (Q1 2023) = 800k
Wii (Q1 2011) = 763k
Wii (Q1 2012) = 521k
3DS (Q1 2017) = 370k

Looking at the equivalent quarters for each console. Didn't know whether to include the year before or after for DS/Wii due to launching at a different time of year than Switch/3DS so included both.

Link to VGChartz article here.

PS5 Sells Over 800K Setting PlayStation Record - Americas Hardware Estimates for March 2023

The PlayStation 5 was the best-selling console in the Americas (USA, Canada, & Latin America) with 811,288 units sold for March 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The PlayStation 5 has now sold an estimated 16.10 million units lifetime in the Americas.

The Nintendo Switch sold an estimated 392,078 units to bring its lifetime sales to 47.86 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 367,728 units to bring their lifetime sales to 12.46 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 3,666 units to bring its lifetime sales to 41.56 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are up by nearly 430,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by nearly 79,000 units. PS4 sold 381,502 units for the month of March 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 289,004 units.

The PlayStation 5 in March is now tracking ahead of the PlayStation 4 in the Americas. The PlayStation 5 also set a PlayStation record for most units sold in the month of March beating the previous record holder, which was set by the launch of the PSP in March 2005.

PlayStation 5 sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 475,307 (141.5%). Nintendo Switch sales are down by 196,761 units (-33.4%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 224,884 units (-38.0%). The PlayStation 4 is down 20,691 units (-85.0%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, the PlayStation 5 sales are up by over 145,000 units, Nintendo Switch sales are up by over 29,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are up by nearly 57,000 units.  It should be noted March is a five week month, while February is a four week month.

2023 year-to-date, the PlayStation 5 has sold an estimated 1.98 million units, the Nintendo Switch has sold 1.08 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 0.97 million units.

Monthly Sales:

Americas hardware estimates for March 2023 (Followed by lifetime sales):

1. PlayStation 5 - 811,288 (16,098,115)
2. Switch - 392,078 (47,864,349)
3. Xbox Series X|S - 367,728 (12,461,024)
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,666 (41,563,998)

USA hardware estimates for March 2023:

1. PlayStation 5 - 680,226
2. Switch - 330,167
3. Xbox Series X|S - 310,081
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,126

Weekly Sales:

March 4, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. PlayStation 5 - 151,168
2. Switch - 74,204
3. Xbox Series X|S - 66,071
4. PlayStation 4 - 747

USA:

1. PlayStation 5 - 126,528
2. Switch - 62,629
3. Xbox Series X|S - 55,723
4. PlayStation 4 - 634

March 11, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. PlayStation 5 - 152,378
2. Switch - 73,117
3. Xbox Series X|S - 67,871
4. PlayStation 4 - 739

USA:

1. PlayStation 5 - 127,879
2. Switch - 61,732
3. Xbox Series X|S - 57,341
4. PlayStation 4 - 628

March 18, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. PlayStation 5 - 156,946
2. Switch - 81,260
3. Xbox Series X|S - 69,165
4. PlayStation 4 - 735

USA:

1. PlayStation 5 - 131,651
2. Switch - 68,442
3. Xbox Series X|S - 58,298
4. PlayStation 4 - 624

March 25, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. PlayStation 5 - 185,089
2. Xbox Series X|S - 85,354
3. Switch - 77,078
4. PlayStation 4 - 731

USA:

1. PlayStation 5 - 155,212
2. Xbox Series X|S - 71,873
3. Switch - 64,836
4. PlayStation 4 - 622

April 1, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. PlayStation 5 - 165,707
2. Switch - 86,419
3. Xbox Series X|S - 79,267
4. PlayStation 4 - 714

USA:

1. PlayStation 5 - 138,956
2. Switch - 72,528
3. Xbox Series X|S - 66,846
4. PlayStation 4 - 618

33.4% drop YoY is bigger than I expected for Switch, but a 38% drop YoY for Xbox in the Americas is devastating at this stage in it's life. It should still be building up towards a peak year now, not doing this.

March was a great month for Xbox in the Americas last year. But I agree that is a HUGE drop and not a great look. Is Microsoft trying to make Xbox look even worse with these sales to get its Activision Blizzard deal passed? I never expected Xbox Series X|S to come that close to PS5 worldwide, but this is sad. Another possibility is Microsoft is getting ready to release a redesigned Series X, at least internally to bring the price to manufacture it down.