Xbox Series X sales are struggling, Microsoft admits

Microsoft have admitted that they’re struggling to sell the Xbox Series X, despite strong offerings like Xbox Game Pass and the upcoming Xbox-exclusive Starfield.

It’s been quite the day for Microsoft. In case you missed it, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has blocked the company’s planned $69.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The deal has been scrutinised by regulatory bodies across the world in the last 12 months, with the UK now taking a final stand against it. It goes without saying that this could utterly scupper Microsoft’s plans. Microsoft have said that they’ll appeal the decision, but there’s no saying that that will change the outcome. Their Xbox Series X issue then seems to pale in comparison.

Speaking of Starfield, take a look at what’s in store below.

As reported by Kotaku, Microsoft has revealed that Xbox Series X/S sales are down by 30% compared to the same window in 2022. Despite this, total revenue and net income were up by 7% and 9% year-on-year, respectively, so it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s assumed that this drop is likely down to Xbox’s utter lack of exclusives in the last 12 months. If you tuned into December’s The Game Awards, you’ll have noticed the absence of Xbox’s presence in the major categories.

Of course, Starfield was originally due to launch in 2022. Its pushback into 2023 left last year feeling rather empty. Then again, 2023 isn’t particularly jam-packed with a lot riding on Starfield's success. It does have over 1,000 planets to explore though so I should imagine it will keep Xbox users busy.

Conversely, PlayStation 5 sales have skyrocketed by a whopping 500% as legit stock continues to roll in following the end of worldwide shortages. In fact, many scalpers are being forced to sell their leftover stock for below retail value. That’s what they call karma.