Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S console sales for 2025 may be significantly lower than previously estimated, according to new claims. The discussion emerged in response to a CNBC article examining Microsoft Gaming’s broader strategic shift, which cited third-party sales estimates suggesting Xbox hardware is falling far behind its competitors.
The CNBC report referenced estimates from VGChartz, which placed Xbox Series S and Series X combined sales at roughly 1.7 million units for the year. By comparison, the original Nintendo Switch, which launched in 2017, was estimated to have sold 3.4 million units during the same period. However, those figures were quickly challenged by KeplerL2, a known hardware-focused leaker, who suggested the actual number may be even lower.
Commenting on NeoGAF, KeplerL2 stated, “I think it’s closer to 1 million actually.” While KeplerL2 has a solid track record when it comes to hardware-related information, their history with sales data is less established. As such, the claim remains speculative and should be treated with caution. Even so, the estimate aligns with broader trends observed throughout 2025.
Microsoft’s console business has faced mounting pressure as overall hardware sales decline, even while software revenue remains relatively stable. In the United Kingdom, industry analyst Christopher Dring reported significant year-on-year drops in console sales during November 2025. Initial data showed steep declines across all platforms, though Dring later corrected Nintendo’s figures. According to the updated numbers, Nintendo console sales in the UK were up 41 percent year on year, PlayStation 5 sales were down 29 percent, and Xbox hardware sales fell by 51 percent. Overall console sales for the month were down 17 percent.
Similar patterns were observed in the United States. Circana data covering spending through November 29 showed total U.S. video game spending of 5.86 billion dollars, down 4 percent year on year. Hardware spending dropped 27 percent to 695 million dollars, while accessories declined 13 percent. Software spending, however, increased by 1 percent to 4.84 billion dollars.
As of December 2025, lifetime sales of Xbox Series X and S are estimated at approximately 34.2 million units worldwide. The consoles are now trailing the historical pace of the Xbox One by more than nine million units. Despite this, Microsoft has continued to emphasize its platform-focused strategy, with growth driven by software, services, and Xbox Game Pass rather than hardware alone.
