TOKYO: Microsoft's new Xbox console hit stores worldwide Tuesday, kicking off a holiday season battle with Sony's latest PlayStation model, as the coronavirus pandemic creates unprecedented gaming demand around the world. The Xbox Series X launches just two days before Sony's next generation PlayStation 5, in a head-to-head likely to dominate the gaming sector this shopping season.
The launches are well-placed to capitalise on a massive spike in demand for gaming. Rising numbers of people around the world are seeking distraction during a pandemic that has killed 1.25 million people and left at least three billion more in some form of lockdown since the virus first surfaced in late December.
But while lockdowns and restrictions may have boosted sales, they have also forced companies to move their launch events online. Microsoft is hoping its next-generation offering will help close the gap with Sony, whose PlayStation 4 sold twice as well as the Xbox One since they both were released in 2013.
Market research Ampere Analysis expects Microsoft will indeed narrow the gap with Sony, selling 13.5 million of the lastest Xbox against 17.9 million for the latest PlayStation in 2020 and 2021. Unlike the PlayStation 5, whose release will be staggered in different countries from Thursday, the Xbox Series X hit the shelves worldwide on Tuesday.
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