Black Friday sales numbers are finally rolling in, and it’s official: the Xbox Series X/S accounted for fewer sales than a console you’ve never even heard of. Black Friday is, traditionally, one of the biggest tech sales days of the year, whether it’s due to unusually good deals or just the beginning of the holiday gifting rush.
On BlueSky, Circana’s Senior Director and Video Game Industry Thought Leader Mat Piscatella reveals that, in the US, Xbox accounted for a smaller percentage of Black Friday gaming hardware sales than the NEX Playground, a lesser-known console that’s apparently set to prove a popular gift this holiday season. But what is the NEX Playground, and how did it sell so many more units than one of the big three consoles?
Xbox Has Officially Been Beaten By The NEX Playground
But What Is It?
First, let’s take a look at the exact numbers: according to Piscatella, PS5 accounted for the largest percentage of total console sales in the US this Black Friday, with 62%. In a not-at-all-close second was the Switch 2, which came in at 24%. The NEX Playground was third with 14%; Xbox consoles weren’t listed, but apparently sold even less.
If you haven’t heard of the NEX Playground, it’s probably because you’re not a part of its target audience. It’s largely designed for families with young children, and you need only glance at its library to figure that out: NEX Playground exclusives include things like Barbie Dance Party, Bluey: Bust-A-Move, and Move & Groove with Grover.
The NEX Playground’s main gimmick is its lack of traditional controllers. All of its games are controlled entirely with gestures and physical movements, which are tracked by the built-in camera à la the Xbox 360 Kinect. The goal is to create a more active form of play, encouraging players (especially kids) to get on their feet and move.
The NEX Playground includes five free games (one of which is the ever-popular Fruit Ninja), and offers an optional subscription service called Play Pass. Similar to Xbox Game Pass or PS Plus, it offers players a fresh crop of a few new games each month.
Although its audience skews young, the NEX Playground’s library is surprisingly diverse, and is meant to appeal to broad audiences. Titles like Zumba Fitness Party and Box Flow Fitness offer interactive, at-home workouts, while game night staples like CandyLand Sugar Sprint and Hungry Hungry Hippos offer familiar multiplayer experiences in new packaging.
So really, while it’s not too common for a lesser-known console like this one to outsell such a big brand like Xbox, it makes sense when you think about it. The NEX Playground is almost certain to be a popular gift this year, but it very much fills its own niche; it’s not attempting to dethrone the big three console manufacturers.
PlayStation 5 Came Out On Top This Black Friday
PS5 Reigns Supreme, Plus A Switch Surprise
The PS5 topped Black Friday sales figures this year, accounting for 47% of total sales in the US and 67% in the UK (via The Game Business). That’s a little surprising, especially with rumors of an impending price increase for Xbox consoles; you’d think savvy consumers would buy them up in advance.
Perhaps a bigger surprise, though, is that the Switch 2 came in second, with just 24% of US sales and 23% of UK sales. Unlike the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and the NEX Playground, the Switch 2 was released just a few months ago. Ordinarily, you’d think that would make it a more sought-after holiday gift.
Either way, it’s an unusual year for console sales. Some audiences are clearly turning to alternatives other than the traditional PlayStation and Xbox; only time will tell whether that has lasting repercussions for the industry.
- Brand
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Xbox
- Original Release Date
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November 10, 2020
- Original MSRP (USD)
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Series X priced at US$499 and the Series S priced at US$299
- Weight
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9.8 lb