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PlayStation 5 Surpasses PS3 in U.S. Sales Milestone

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

As of September 2025, the PlayStation 5 has surpassed the PlayStation 3 in lifetime U.S. sales.
It reached this milestone in under five years after its November 2020 launch.
Mat Piscatella of Circana reports PS5 global sales above 80 million.
PS3 had over 87 million in global sales by March 2017.
The PS5's slower first-party cadence relative to its predecessor raises questions about future sales as the PlayStation 6 looms.

History

Historical Context

The PlayStation 3 (PS3) launched on November 11, 2006, facing initial criticism for its high price and complex architecture. Despite selling over 87 million units by March 2017, it struggled against competitors like the Xbox 360 and Wii. The PS5, released later, surpassed PS3 sales in the U.S. by September 2025, reflecting the evolving gaming landscape and ongoing challenges in sustaining momentum.

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Story summary

As of September 2025, the PlayStation 5 has surpassed the PlayStation 3 in lifetime U.S. sales.
It reached this milestone in under five years after its November 2020 launch.
Mat Piscatella of Circana reports PS5 global sales above 80 million.
PS3 had over 87 million in global sales by March 2017.
The PS5's slower first-party cadence relative to its predecessor raises questions about future sales as the PlayStation 6 looms.

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