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| PS5 and Switch 2 consoles shown on Union Jack flag backdrop |
The video game landscape is always shifting, but the latest sales figures from across the pond reveal a fascinating battle unfolding. While Nintendo's new Switch 2 console is off to a roaring start, Sony's PlayStation 5 is demonstrating remarkable staying power, managing to outsell its newer rival in key territories.
The competition is particularly fierce in the United Kingdom, where, as a recent report highlighted by Push Square reveals, the PS5 has managed to edge out the Switch 2 in sales so far this year. This data, originating from a subscribers-only article by The Game Business, points to a surprising trend of resilience for the mid-generation console against the hot new hardware from Nintendo.
A Lucrative October for the Gaming Giants
Despite various economic challenges, the gaming industry continues to thrive. October proved to be an exceptionally strong month for hardware sales in the UK, with nearly 140,000 consoles sold. The Nintendo Switch 2, building on its successful launch earlier in the year, saw a very healthy 22% sales increase compared to September.
However, the real story was the PS5. Sony's console experienced an even more significant surge, with sales rocketing up by 36% month-over-month. This impressive jump allowed it to claim the top spot for the month.
According to the broader analysis from The Game Business on the state of the industry, the PS5 remains the year's best-selling console in the UK overall. The data provides crucial context, noting that while the PS5 is leading for 2025, the overall UK console market in October 2024 was actually 15.6% stronger than the same period this year. Given the Switch 2's June release, its performance is undoubtedly strong, but the recent momentum is clearly with PlayStation.
This trend isn't confined to Britain. In Spain, the PS5 has consistently finished ahead of the Switch 2 for several consecutive months. What makes this especially notable is the PS5's age; having been on the market since 2020, one might expect its potential buyer base to be shrinking. Yet, five years later, PlayStation's presence in Europe appears to be growing stronger.
PlayStation 5 Is The Best Selling Console So Far This Year In UK, Beating Nintendo Switch 2!
— @Zuby_Tech (@Zuby_Tech) November 29, 2025
Sony Expects PS5 Sales To Surpass 90 Million Units Shipped By December 31st 2025 Globally!#PlayStation5 #PS5 #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch2 #Switch2 pic.twitter.com/liKp3ZrxNu
The Software That Drives the Hardware
A console is only as strong as its games, and this sales battle is being heavily influenced by recent software releases.
On the Sony side, the long-awaited Ghost of Yotei from Sucker Punch Productions has met its high sales projections, providing a significant tailwind for PS5 hardware. Furthermore, major third-party titles like Battlefield 6, which skipped the Nintendo platform, have exceeded sales forecasts across the European Union, naturally driving players toward the PS5 ecosystem.
For Nintendo, the situation is different. Third-party games on the Switch 2 have, so far, struggled to compete with the platform's own blockbuster first-party titles. The mid-October release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A gave the system a major boost, but the true test is yet to come. The holiday season is packed with heavy hitters like Kirby Air Riders and the finally-arriving Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which Nintendo hopes will fuel a record-setting quarter.
Strategic Moves and the Road Ahead
Recognizing the competitive pressure, Sony isn't resting on its laurels. The company has initiated strategic price cuts to ensure it doesn't lose ground during the crucial holiday shopping period. In Japan, a more affordable, region-specific model was recently launched. For gamers in the UK, EU, and the U.S., temporary seasonal price drops have effectively addressed recent criticism over rising manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRPs).
This aggressive pricing strategy, as noted by industry analysts like Zuby_Tech on social media, could be a key factor in maintaining the PS5's sales momentum against the novelty of the Switch 2.
The console war is far from over. Nintendo is gearing up for what could be a historic holiday season with a stellar lineup of exclusive games, while Sony is leveraging its established library, blockbuster third-party support, and savvy pricing. For now, the PS5 is proving that even in the face of a brilliant new competitor, there's plenty of fight left in this generation.