Xbox Series X/S set the record as Microsoft's biggest console launch following a record-breaking launch in the UK.
Video Games Chronicle reported that Xbox Series X and S moved around 155,000 consoles on launch day, beating the previous record of 150,000 set by Xbox One in its first two days on sale back in 2013.
Despite the launch success, Series X/S still fell short of the record set by Sony's PlayStation 4, which sold around 250,000 consoles over its first 48 hours in 2014. Prior to that launch, the PlayStation Portable held the record for the region's fastest-selling games hardware with 185,000 units sold.
The Xbox Series X/S numbers are especially impressive considering the shortage of consoles stock on launch day due to delays caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Xbox's experiences and platforms boss Liz Hamren told gamers on Friday, "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."
Hamren also revealed that 70 percent of Series X and S users had a Game Pass subscription at the time of the launch, noting, "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." Additionally, the console set a record for the most games played during an Xbox console launch with 3,594 played in total, spanning four generations.
Xbox recently teamed up with Disney+ to offer Game Pass Ultimate Perks members a 30-day free trial of the new streaming service. The trial is accessible through through Jan. 31, 2021 on Xbox consoles, as well as the Xbox Game Pass's mobile app on Android and iOS or the Xbox app on a Windows 10 PC.
The massive launch came just days after the official Xbox Twitter account was forced to address a series of viral videos that appeared to show Xbox Series X going up in smoke. "We can't believe we have to say this, but please do not blow vape smoke into your Xbox Series X," the account tweeted. Twitter user Xbox Studio, an unofficial account, later posted a video showing how users can create the illusion of the device going up in smoke using a vape pen.
Source: VGC