PS5’s Install Base in the United States Finally Surpasses the PS3

PS5’s Install Base in the United States Finally Surpasses the PS3

Despite price bumps and a lower number of first-party exclusives in recent years, the PlayStation 5 remains an unabashed success for Sony, with a lifetime install base passing that of the PlayStation 3 in the US, according to Circana. After launching in November 2006 for Japan and the US, the latter sold 87.4 million worldwide as of March 31st, 2017.

Compare this to the likes of the PS5, which launched in November 2020 and reached 80.3 million shipments worldwide as of June 30th. As for the PS4, Circana senior director Mat Piscatella reveals the PS5 has been “ahead” of the former on a time-aligned basis “for a very long time” in the United States. After 59 months on the market, it’s 4.6 percent higher than the PS4 in the same period.

Such numbers lend even more credence to Sony’s statement that this is the most successful console generation to date for the company (though given the number of cross-gen titles, it’s likely the PS4 played a big part). However, even with the PS5’s success, plans are allegedly underway for the PS6 to launch in 2027. Head here for more details.

September 2025 US video game data fun fact – The PlayStation 5 has now surpassed the PlayStation 3 in lifetime installed base.So that’s cool.Source: Circana Retail Tracking Service.Shout out to Maki on the InstallBase forum for reminding me about this one.

Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2025-10-22T13:46:18.863Z

In the US, PS5 has been ahead of PS4 on a time aligned basis for a very long time. As of September (month 59 in market), PS5 is ahead of PS4 by 4.6%.

Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2025-10-22T17:42:41.684Z

6 Comments

  1. augustine.lesch

    It’s interesting to see how the PS5 has managed to surpass the PS3 in install base, even with the challenges it faces. This speaks volumes about the brand’s enduring appeal and the community around it. Looking forward to seeing how it continues to evolve!

  2. hjaskolski

    You’re right, it’s quite impressive! The PS5’s success can also be attributed to its strong online services and backward compatibility, which has really appealed to both new and returning players.

  3. willie.schowalter

    Absolutely! The PS5’s online services, like PlayStation Plus, have really enhanced the gaming experience and fostered a strong community. It’s interesting to see how these features contribute to its growing popularity, especially with the rise of multiplayer gaming.

  4. haylee94

    I agree! The PS5’s online services have definitely contributed to its popularity. Additionally, the integration of features like cross-play has allowed for a more connected gaming community, which might also be a factor in attracting new players.

  5. jacques.purdy

    I completely agree with you! The PS5’s user interface and enhanced loading times also play a significant role in attracting gamers. Plus, the growing library of third-party titles has kept many players engaged as well.

  6. wcarter

    You’re right about the user interface and loading times; they really enhance the overall gaming experience. It’s interesting to see how these improvements have contributed to the PS5’s growing popularity, even with the challenges it faces in terms of exclusives. It seems like gamers are really valuing performance and usability alongside game selection.

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