Xbox Series X/S was Microsoft’s biggest console launch in the UK

Xbox Series X/S is now Microsoft’s biggest console launch in the UK, VGC understands.

According to publishers speaking to VGC, Xbox Series X and S sold around 155,000 consoles on launch day, beating the previous record of 150,000, which Xbox One managed in its first two days on sale in 2013.

The UK is Xbox’s second biggest market outside of the US.

However, Series X/S was still far short of beating the record set by PlayStation 4. Sony’s previous full hardware launch was the biggest in UK history, managing around 250,000 over its first 48 hours.

Before that, the PlayStation Portable (185,000) held the record for the region’s fastest-selling games hardware.

Of course, both Xbox Series X and S sold out at launch and would likely have sold better with more stock. Currently, both Xbox Series X and S are sold out at all major retailers.

Microsoft will likely shift any additional consoles it can supply during the launch window – especially considering Series X/S UK pre-orders are understood to have been significantly higher than previous Xbox consoles, limiting the number of units available to day one buyers.

Supply issues are expected to continue for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 this year, due to the impact of Covid-19 on shipping times.

The most popular Series model at launch in the UK was the Xbox Series X, which accounted for two-thirds of launch sales, according to VGC sources.

Microsoft said earlier this week that globally, data showed that most existing Xbox users opted for the more expensive model, while Series S attracted a record percentage of new players to the platform.

Globally, Microsoft has claimed that combined Xbox Series X and S launch sales were the highest in its history.

No hardware sales figures have been provided by the company – which is its policy – but its last full console launch for Xbox One in 2013 was also described as a company record at the time, with more than one million consoles sold in 24 hours.

On Friday, Xbox’s experiences and platforms boss Liz Hamren acknowledged the shortage of Xbox Series X/S console stock at launch and encouraged those struggling to find one to continue checking retailers.

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“We know that not everyone was able to get an Xbox Series X|S immediately and are working tirelessly with our partners around the world to bring as many new consoles to as many of you as possible over time and encourage you to check in with your local retailers directly for more details on availability in your market.”

According to Hamren, 70 percent of Series X and S users at launch had a Game Pass subscription. The console also set a record for the most games played during an Xbox console launch, she said, with 3,594 played in total, spanning four generations.

“While we missed the emotional spark of being together with you in person, it was incredible to celebrate a new generation of gaming with the millions on our celebration livestream and everyone who participated in our global launch across 40 countries,” she said.