Welcome to the May 2023 VGChartz estimates thread. The articles breaking down May 2023 estimates will be posted in this thread.

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 May 2023

Link to VGChartz article here.

The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console worldwide with 1,525,579 units sold for May 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The Nintendo Switch has now sold an estimated 126.52 million units lifetime worldwide.

The PlayStation 5 sold an estimated 1,095,237 units to bring its lifetime sales to 38.45 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 329,569 units to bring their lifetime sales to 21.96 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 11,548 units to bring its lifetime sales to 117.05 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are up by nearly 343,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by over 67,000 units. PS4 sold 752,290 units for the month of May 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 262,190 units.

Nintendo Switch sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 472,773 (44.9%). PlayStation 5 sales are up by 519,032 units (90.1%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 132,424 units (-28.7%). The PlayStation 4 is down 16,833 units (-59.3%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, Nintendo Switch sales are up by nearly 252,000 units, PlayStation 5 sales are down by nearly 251,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by over 52,000 units.

2023 year-to-date, the PlayStation 5 has sold an estimated 7.44 million units, the Nintendo Switch has sold 5.88 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 2.23 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 May 2023 (Followed by lifetime sales):

1. Switch - 1,525,579 (126,512,699)
2. PlayStation 5 - 1,095,237 (38,449,757)
3. Xbox Series X|S - 329,569 (21,960,569)
4. PlayStation 4 - 11,548 (117,045,066)

Weekly Sales:

Global May 6, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 391,769
2. PlayStation 5 - 304,537
3. Xbox Series X|S - 74,790
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,058

Global May 13, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 426,852
2. PlayStation 5 - 275,618
3. Xbox Series X|S - 78,898
4. PlayStation 4 - 2,737

Global May 20, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 360,608
2. PlayStation 5 - 257,743
3. Xbox Series X|S - 85,842
4. PlayStation 4 - 2,845

Global May 27, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 346,350
2. PlayStation 5 - 257,339
3. Xbox Series X|S - 90,039
4. PlayStation 4 - 2,908

Americas Hardware Estimates for May 2023

Link to VGChartz article here.

The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console in the Americas (USA, Canada, & Latin America) with 535,009 units sold for May 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The Nintendo Switch has now sold an estimated 48.79 million units lifetime in the Americas.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom released on May 12, while the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition released at the end of April.

The PlayStation 5 sold an estimated 319,321 units to bring its lifetime sales to 16.80 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 171,904 units to bring their lifetime sales to 12.85 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 2,508 units to bring its lifetime sales to 41.57 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are up by over 80,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by nearly 34,000 units. PS4 sold 239,017 units for the month of May 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 138,247 units.

Nintendo Switch sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 197,895 (58.7%). PlayStation 5 sales are up by 167,944 units (110.9%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 50,342 units (-22.7%). The PlayStation 4 is down 14,700 units (-85.4%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, Nintendo Switch sales are up by over 73,000 units, PlayStation 5 sales are down by nearly 70,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by nearly 76,000 units.

2023 year-to-date, the PlayStation 5 has sold an estimated 2.63 million units, the Nintendo Switch has sold 2.09 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 1.39 million units.

Monthly Sales:

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

1. Switch - 535,009 (48,787,790)
2. PlayStation 5 - 319,321 (16,796,402)
3. Xbox Series X|S - 171,904 (12,846,414)
4. PlayStation 4 - 2,508 (41,569,278)

USA hardware estimates for May 2023:

1. Switch - 450,474
2. PlayStation 5 - 270,835
3. Xbox Series X|S - 145,118
4. PlayStation 4 - 2,122

Weekly Sales:

May 6, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. Switch - 133,128
2. PlayStation 5 - 85,397
3. Xbox Series X|S - 37,693
4. PlayStation 4 - 618

USA:

1. Switch - 112,352
2. PlayStation 5 - 72,351
3. Xbox Series X|S - 31,923
4. PlayStation 4 - 523

May 13, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. Switch - 160,445
2. PlayStation 5 - 81,245
3. Xbox Series X|S - 40,873
4. PlayStation 4 - 645

USA:

1. Switch - 135,235
2. PlayStation 5 - 68,925
3. Xbox Series X|S - 34,512
4. PlayStation 4 - 546

May 20, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. Switch - 122,881
2. PlayStation 5 - 77,698
3. Xbox Series X|S - 46,094
4. PlayStation 4 - 628

USA:

1. Switch - 103,052
2. PlayStation 5 - 65,938
3. Xbox Series X|S - 38,945
4. PlayStation 4 - 531

May 27, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. Switch - 118,555
2. PlayStation 5 - 74,981
3. Xbox Series X|S - 47,244
   
4. PlayStation 4 - 617

USA:

1. Switch - 99,835
2. PlayStation 5 - 63,621
3. Xbox Series X|S - 39,738
   
4. PlayStation 4 - 522

Europe Hardware Estimates for May 2023

Link to VGChartz article here.

The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console in Europe with 371,758 units sold for May 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The Nintendo Switch has now sold an estimated 32.30 million units lifetime in Europe.

The PlayStation 5 sold an estimated 333,075 units to bring its lifetime sales to 11.68 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 120,155 units to bring their lifetime sales to 5.98 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 3,272 units to bring its lifetime sales to 45.84 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are down by nearly 11,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by over 31,000 units. PS4 sold 343,930 units for the month of April 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 88,787 units.

PlayStation 5 sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 122,998 (58.6%). Nintendo Switch sales are up by 92,629 units (33.2%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 27,412 units (-18.6%). The PlayStation 4 is down 1,542 units (-32.0%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, Nintendo Switch sales are up by nearly 40,000 units, PlayStation 5 sales are down by over 106,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are up by nearly 19,000 units. 

2023 year-to-date, the PlayStation 5 has sold an estimated 2.18 million units, the Nintendo Switch has sold 1.52 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 0.57 million units.

Monthly Sales:

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

1. Switch - 371,758 (32,301,107)
2. PlayStation 5 - 333,075 (11,681,176)
3. Xbox Series X|S - 120,155 (5,977,429)
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,272 (45,838,511)

Weekly Sales:

Europe May 6, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 95,759
2. PlayStation 5 - 88,100
3. Xbox Series X|S - 27,503
4. PlayStation 4 - 859

Europe May 13, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 111,490
2. PlayStation 5 - 85,414
3. Xbox Series X|S - 29,160
4. PlayStation 4 - 833

Europe May 20, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 86,218
2. PlayStation 5 - 79,146
3. Xbox Series X|S - 30,776
4. PlayStation 4 - 806

Europe May 27, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 80,415
2. Switch - 78,291
3. Xbox Series X|S - 32,716
4. PlayStation 4 - 774

Japan Hardware Estimates for May 2023

Link to VGChartz article here.

The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console in Japan with 344,989 units sold for May 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The Nintendo Switch has now sold an estimated 29.33 million units lifetime in Japan.

The PlayStation 5 sold an estimated 170,778 units to bring its lifetime sales to 3.59 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 3,641 units to bring its lifetime sales to 9.62 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 1,304 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 nearly 81,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by nearly 1,000 units. PS4 sold 90,138 units for the month of May 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 324 units.

Nintendo Switch sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 104,749 units (43.6%). PlayStation 5 sales are up by 116,864 (216.8%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 20,911 units (-94.1%). The PlayStation 4 is up 3,542 units (3,577.8%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, Nintendo Switch sales are up by over 64,000 units, the PlayStation 5 sales are down by over 10,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by over 1,000 units.

Monthly Sales:

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

1. Switch - 344,989 (29,334,678)
2. PlayStation 5 - 170,778 (3,588,905)
3. PlayStation 4 - 3,641 (9,622,381)
4. Xbox Series X|S - 1,304 (441,918)

Weekly Sales:

Japan May 6, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 88,713
2. PlayStation 5 - 54,054
3. PlayStation 4 - 996
4. Xbox Series X|S - 523

Japan May 13, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 83,068
2. PlayStation 5 - 41,452
3. PlayStation 4 - 779
4. Xbox Series X|S - 281
   

Japan May 20, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 86,662
2. PlayStation 5 - 37,168
3. PlayStation 4 - 889
4. Xbox Series X|S - 254

Japan May 27, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 86,546
2. PlayStation 5 - 38,104
3. PlayStation 4 - 977
4. Xbox Series X|S - 246

VGChartz Methodology: Hardware estimates are based on retail sampling and trends in individual countries, which are then extrapolated to represent the wider region. This typically allows us to produce figures that end up being within 10% of the actual totals.

This data is regularly compared against official shipment figures released by the console manufacturers and figures estimated by regional trackers with greater market coverage than ourselves. We then update our own estimates to bring them into line with those figures. This can result in frequent changes often within a short space of time, but we feel it's important to prioritise accuracy over consistency.

Note that our estimates are based on sell-through data (units sold to consumers). In almost all cases the figures released by console manufacturers are based on shipment data (sell-in), where as soon as a device has left the factory and entered the supply chain for delivery it is considered a sale. This is why there is always a difference between the companies’ figures (sell-in) and VGChartz estimates (sell-through), even after we’ve made adjustments. The one exception to that is when a console has been discontinued and the remaining stock has finally sold out – at that point the figures will match.

for the US I predict
NSW - 420K
PS5 -390K
XSeries -270K

Link to VGChartz article here.

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

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 May 2020)

2021 – (January 2021 to May 2021)

2022 – (January 2022 to May 2022)

2023 – (January 2023 to May 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
• Down year-on-year 46,290 units (-54.0%)

Nintendo

• Nintendo Switch
• 1.45 million units sold year-to-date
• Down year-on-year 300,078 units (-17.2%)

Sony

• PlayStation 5
• 1.16 million units sold year-to-date
• Up year-on-year 785,716 units (207.5%)
• PlayStation 4
• 0.03 million units sold year-to-date
• Up year-on-year 27,207 (7,751.3%)

Link to VGChartz article here.

Switch Outsells PS5 as Zelda Boosts Sales - Europe Hardware Estimates for May 2023

The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console in Europe with 371,758 units sold for May 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The Nintendo Switch has now sold an estimated 32.30 million units lifetime in Europe.

The PlayStation 5 sold an estimated 333,075 units to bring its lifetime sales to 11.68 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 120,155 units to bring their lifetime sales to 5.98 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 3,272 units to bring its lifetime sales to 45.84 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are down by nearly 11,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by over 31,000 units. PS4 sold 343,930 units for the month of April 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 88,787 units.

PlayStation 5 sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 122,998 (58.6%). Nintendo Switch sales are up by 92,629 units (33.2%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 27,412 units (-18.6%). The PlayStation 4 is down 1,542 units (-32.0%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, Nintendo Switch sales are up by nearly 40,000 units, PlayStation 5 sales are down by over 106,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are up by nearly 19,000 units. 

2023 year-to-date, the PlayStation 5 has sold an estimated 2.18 million units, the Nintendo Switch has sold 1.52 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 0.57 million units.

Monthly Sales:

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

1. Switch - 371,758 (32,301,107)
2. PlayStation 5 - 333,075 (11,681,176)
3. Xbox Series X|S - 120,155 (5,977,429)
4. PlayStation 4 - 3,272 (45,838,511)

Weekly Sales:

Europe May 6, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 95,759
2. PlayStation 5 - 88,100
3. Xbox Series X|S - 27,503
4. PlayStation 4 - 859

Europe May 13, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 111,490
2. PlayStation 5 - 85,414
3. Xbox Series X|S - 29,160
4. PlayStation 4 - 833

Europe May 20, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. Switch - 86,218
2. PlayStation 5 - 79,146
3. Xbox Series X|S - 30,776
4. PlayStation 4 - 806

Europe May 27, 2023 hardware estimates:

1. PlayStation 5 - 80,415
2. Switch - 78,291
3. Xbox Series X|S - 32,716
4. PlayStation 4 - 774

I still think these numbers are somewhat great for PS5 in Europe. The "Breath of the Wild sequel" is for sure the most hyped Switch game for a long time, but PS5 was really close without a major release.

Japan on the other hand made quite a boost for Nintendo.

Curious to see what's going to happen when FF16 releases.

Link to VGChartz article here.

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

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 May 2020)

2021 – (January 2021 to May 2021)

2022 – (January 2022 to May 2022)

2023 – (January 2023 to May 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
• 0.57 million units sold year-to-date
• Down year-on-year 77,057 units (-11.8%)

Nintendo

• Nintendo Switch
• 1.52 million units sold year-to-date
• Down year-on-year 1,802 units (-0.1%)

Sony

• PlayStation 5
• 2.18 million units sold year-to-date
• Up year-on-year 1,368,151 units (168.1%)
• PlayStation 4
• 0.02 million units sold year-to-date
• Down year-on-year 16,729 (7-43.6%)

For anyone wondering why we haven't posted the Americas and worldwide estimates yet, we are waiting on Circana (NPD) to come out first as it will help make our estimates more accurate. Americas numbers should be out on Monday, June 26. Then worldwide numbers on Tuesday, June 27. Unless something were to come up. 

Americas estimates should be out later today. Doing the daily news then going to work on the estimates. 

Americas Hardware Estimates for May 2023

Link to VGChartz article here.

The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console in the Americas (USA, Canada, & Latin America) with 535,009 units sold for May 2023, according to VGChartz estimates. The Nintendo Switch has now sold an estimated 48.79 million units lifetime in the Americas.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom released on May 12, while the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition released at the end of April.

The PlayStation 5 sold an estimated 319,321 units to bring its lifetime sales to 16.80 million units. The Xbox Series X|S sold 171,904 units to bring their lifetime sales to 12.88 million units. The PlayStation 4 sold an estimated 2,508 units to bring its lifetime sales to 41.57 million units.

PS5 sales compared to the same month for the PS4 in 2016 are up by over 80,000 units, while the Xbox Series X|S compared to the same month for the Xbox One are up by nearly 46,000 units. PS4 sold 239,017 units for the month of May 2016 and Xbox One sales were at 126,247 units.

Nintendo Switch sales compared to the same month a year ago are up by 197,895 (58.7%). PlayStation 5 sales are up by 167,944 units (110.9%) and Xbox Series X|S sales are down by 50,342 units (-22.7%). The PlayStation 4 is down 14,700 units (-85.4%) year-over-year.

Looking at sales month-on-month, Nintendo Switch sales are up by over 73,000 units, PlayStation 5 sales are down by nearly 70,000 units, and Xbox Series X|S sales are up by nearly 76,000 units.

2023 year-to-date, the PlayStation 5 has sold an estimated 2.63 million units, the Nintendo Switch has sold 2.09 million units, and the Xbox Series X|S has sold 1.39 million units.

Monthly Sales:

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

1. Switch - 535,009 (48,787,790)
2. PlayStation 5 - 319,321 (16,796,402)
3. Xbox Series X|S - 171,904 (12,880,414)
4. PlayStation 4 - 2,508 (41,569,278)

USA hardware estimates for May 2023:

1. Switch - 450,474
2. PlayStation 5 - 270,835
3. Xbox Series X|S - 145,118
4. PlayStation 4 - 2,122

Weekly Sales:

May 6, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. Switch - 133,128
2. PlayStation 5 - 85,397
3. Xbox Series X|S - 37,693
4. PlayStation 4 - 618

USA:

1. Switch - 112,352
2. PlayStation 5 - 72,351
3. Xbox Series X|S - 31,923
4. PlayStation 4 - 523

May 13, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. Switch - 160,445
2. PlayStation 5 - 81,245
3. Xbox Series X|S - 40,873
4. PlayStation 4 - 645

USA:

1. Switch - 135,235
2. PlayStation 5 - 68,925
3. Xbox Series X|S - 34,512
4. PlayStation 4 - 546

May 20, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. Switch - 122,881
2. PlayStation 5 - 77,698
3. Xbox Series X|S - 46,094
4. PlayStation 4 - 628

USA:

1. Switch - 103,052
2. PlayStation 5 - 65,938
3. Xbox Series X|S - 38,945
4. PlayStation 4 - 531

May 27, 2023 hardware estimates:

Americas:

1. Switch - 118,555
2. PlayStation 5 - 74,981
3. Xbox Series X|S - 47,244
   
4. PlayStation 4 - 617

USA:

1. Switch - 99,835
2. PlayStation 5 - 63,621
3. Xbox Series X|S - 39,738
   
4. PlayStation 4 - 522