PlayStation 5 Surpasses PS3 Sales Milestone in the U.S.

As of September 2025, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) has officially surpassed the lifetime sales of the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in the United States, achieving this milestone in under five years since its launch in November 2020. According to Mat Piscatella, a senior director at Circana, the PS5's sales reached this point significantly faster than the PS3, which took a full decade to build its installed base. The PS5's global sell-in was reported at over 80 million units as of June 30, 2025, while the PS3 had a lifetime total of approximately 88 million units produced from 2006 to 2016.

The PS5 Has Officially Beaten the PS3In just five years, the PS5 has outsold a decade of PS3 sales in the U.S., despite no new Valkyria Chronicles, MotorStorm, or LittleBigPlanetPS5 Surpasses Lifetime PS3 Hardware Sales In USIn just 5 years, the PS5 has outsold a full decade's worth of the PS3 in the US, even without a new Valkyria Chronicles, MotorStorm, or LittleBigPlanetAmericas Hardware Estimates for September 2025Switch 2 Best-Seller in the US in September, Borderlands 4 Top GameUS hardware market up 24% in September thanks to Switch 2 sales

The PS5's achievement comes amid a competitive landscape, where the Nintendo Switch 2 has emerged as the best-selling console in the U.S. for September 2025, selling 357,107 units. In contrast, the PS5 sold approximately 225,618 units during the same period, bringing its lifetime sales to around 31.81 million units in the Americas. The Xbox Series X|S and the original Nintendo Switch followed in third and fourth place, respectively.

Americas Hardware Estimates for September 2025US hardware market up 24% in September thanks to Switch 2 salesThe PS5 Has Officially Beaten the PS3U.S. software/hardware charts for Sept. 2025Switch 2 Best-Seller in the US in September, Borderlands 4 Top GamePS5 Surpasses Lifetime PS3 Hardware Sales In USIn just 5 years, the PS5 has outsold a full decade's worth of the PS3 in the US, even without a new Valkyria Chronicles, MotorStorm, or LittleBigPlanet

Overall, video game hardware sales in the U.S. increased by 24% year-on-year in September, reaching $324 million, largely driven by the Switch 2's strong performance. This growth offset declines in sales for the PS5 and other consoles.

US hardware market up 24% in September thanks to Switch 2 sales

Despite the PS5's sales success, some critics have pointed out that its library of exclusive games has not kept pace with earlier generations. The PS3 benefited from a robust lineup of exclusives, while the PS5 has seen a slowdown in first-party releases. Critics argue that this could impact the console's long-term sales trajectory, especially as the gaming market evolves.

In just 5 years, the PS5 has outsold a full decade's worth of the PS3 in the US, even without a new Valkyria Chronicles, MotorStorm, or LittleBigPlanet

Mat Piscatella noted, “September 2025 US video game data fun fact - The PlayStation 5 has now surpassed the PlayStation 3 in lifetime installed base.” He emphasized the significance of this achievement, given the PS3's longer market presence and the competitive environment faced by the PS5.

The PS5 Has Officially Beaten the PS3In just five years, the PS5 has outsold a decade of PS3 sales in the U.S., despite no new Valkyria Chronicles, MotorStorm, or LittleBigPlanetPS5 Surpasses Lifetime PS3 Hardware Sales In USIn just 5 years, the PS5 has outsold a full decade's worth of the PS3 in the US, even without a new Valkyria Chronicles, MotorStorm, or LittleBigPlanetUS hardware market up 24% in September thanks to Switch 2 salesBorderlands 4 Tops the US Sales Charts for September 2025 and Ghost of Yotei Matched Tsushima’s COVID-Era NumbersSwitch 2 Best-Seller in the US in September, Borderlands 4 Top Game

• “September 2025 US video game data fun fact - The PlayStation 5 has now surpassed the PlayStation 3 in lifetime installed base.” — Mat Piscatella, Circana

PS5 Surpasses Lifetime PS3 Hardware Sales In US

• “Regardless, the PS5’s achievement is notable: it hit this mark in under five years on the market, whereas the PS3 had a full decade to build its install base and benefited from a stronger lineup of exclusives at the time.” — Mat Piscatella, Circana

In just five years, the PS5 has outsold a decade of PS3 sales in the U.S., despite no new Valkyria Chronicles, MotorStorm, or LittleBigPlanet

Looking ahead, the PS5 may continue to gain ground as new titles are released, including highly anticipated games like Marvel's Wolverine. The ongoing competition with the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Xbox Series X|S will likely shape the sales landscape in the coming months.

US hardware market up 24% in September thanks to Switch 2 sales

In summary, the PS5's surpassing of the PS3's sales marks a significant milestone in the console's journey, reflecting both its popularity and the shifting dynamics of the gaming market.

The PS5 Has Officially Beaten the PS3