More impressive than PS4 sales so far, is the console’s software attach rate

PlayStation 4’s software attach rate is going beyond even the PS2 at the same point in their sales milestone.

[Nyxus]

"As a reference
When PS2 hit 50m, it had shipped 308m units of software = 6.2
When Wii hit 50m, it had shipped 353m units of software = 7.1"

And for PS4 it is 7.51. Really great news.

[UCForce]

Now that's very impressive.

[UltraNova]

When there's choice and quality people will buy. PS library has both and its only getting better going forward. Its literarly the best time to be a gamer now.

[bouzebbal]

and Sony just announced that they have many unannounced games in development.
upcoming months will be very interesting.
Sony are without mercy in the first quarter with high quality software.
And Gran Turismo isn't even out yet! Expect a few million more PS4 sold just because of this.

[G20WLY]

In an age where we buy digitally too - some people ONLY buy digital - this is even more astounding!

You'd surely expect the attach rate to shrink for retail sales due to the adoption of digital sales.

Keep it up Sony! Great quality, great quantity...and great frequency! :^D

[freshslicepizza]

well to be fair when the ps2 was out there wasn't a huge influx in game pricing, now we see many games sell new for far below the normal AAA rate. especially indie games.

what they should do is equate total revenue and include inflation to see exactly what kind of real growth there is compared to the ps2.

[G20WLY]

^Moldy, just once it would be nice if you didn't completely miss the point lol

Attach rate is 'a thing'. You're talking about a completely different metric, which is a completely different success measure. Attach rates have served us well so far - do we need to change this now because it has somehow stopped providing meaningful data...or because it shows Sony in a good light?

You know, most indies are digital only. As such they would be excluded from this data, which was kinda my point.. -_-

[indysurfn]

Where is Microsoftykisser? I know he is around here somewhere lurking in the shadows. Looking for a 'BUT' a way to Spin. to put in the numbers.....

[rainslacker]

@moldy

There was an difference in pricing between different games. Not just from different tiers of software, but also games that sold at discount after their prime selling point had passed.

That being said, stop grasping at straws. It's a good thing for the industry as a whole. More software sold means more support all around. Be happy about it.

Revenue is at an all time high, and much more than it was in the PS2 day, and inflation hasn't been 20% since the PS2 days.

[MasterCornholio]

That is insanely good.

:)

This is the reason why the PS4 is getting so many games.

@Eonjay

This also allows developers to take risks because there's a higher chance the their games will sell well on the platform.

[Eonjay]

Actually that makes a lot of sense. With attach ratios like that, if you have a game and you want people to play it, you are gonna want it on PS4 based soles off of the install base and the attach rate. Just good business.

[rainslacker]

exactly this. It's awesome news.

[IamTylerDurden1]

That number will only grow in 2017 with PS4s best games lineup clearly being this year. The next few months are loaded. Gravity Rush 2, Yakuza 0, RE7 VR exclusive to PSVR, Tales of Berseria, Kingdom Hearts 2.8, Nioh, Horizon, MLB The Show 17, Persona 5, Nier Automata, Dragon Quest Heroes 2 ect.

[rainslacker]

These first couple months are the first in a very long time where I won't buy every game I really want to play on day one. Quite a few of those games are going to be time sinks too. It's not that I can't afford it, but I just can't justify spending that much for games I may not be able to get around to for a while. I've opted to get Gravity Rush 2, Horizon, and Nier.

[QUIMICOMORTAL]

It really is, but if we are to be honest, there are a lot of indie games available for the ps4 (at a cheaper price) that weren't available for the ps2

[GrubsterBeater]

That would be a good point....except the fact that indies are almost always digital only, and aren't included in the attach rate metric.

Nice try, though.

So if we are to be honest, your point is totally moot and invalid.

[rainslacker]

It's pretty impressive. Means support is pretty assured if they can maintain it.

[Ceaser9857361]

Playstation for LIFE...

[corroios]

Thats very important. Games. We want more

[I_am_Batman]

Everytime I see the attach rate of any platform I'm surprised how little games the average gamer buys.

[ILostMyMind]

Truth. I already bought more than thirty games on PS4. Enough to buy a car.

[I_am_Batman]

@Barricade_BE: There is no point in highlighting any extremes here. The average PS4 gamer has had the console for roughly one and a half years and has bought 7.5 games.

[I_am_Batman]

@Barricade_BE: My reply to you should've made clear that my surprise just comes from the actual stat that is presented here. Highlighting obvious facts and explaining basic knowledge isn't necessary. Maybe next time instead of offering extra lessons on math you should take one on reading comprehension first.

[Darkwatchman]

Yeah I currently own 52 physical ps4 games as of getting RE 7 and Tales of Berseria and I haven't even owned the console since launch. It took me about 9-10 months past launch to get the ps4

[PhoenixUp]

PS4 having a higher software attach rate than PS2 & Wii at this point in its life is very impressive

[fenome]

At this rate it can actually surpass the Wii lifetime sales, which is surprising considering it was cheap and literally everyone and their grandma was buying a Wii. I know this is talking about software and not hardware, but it's still impressive none the less.

[PhoenixUp]

PS4 surpassing Wii sales will be an easy feat because unlike Wii, PS4 won't dramatically decline in appeal after its fourth year on the market.

The real question is whether PS4 can eventually outsell PS2 & DS.

[showtimefolks]

PhoenixUp

no i don't think so ps2 just set such a high mark and i think for home consoles that will be very hard to surpass. ps2 was in the market for over a decade

i think ps4 will sit somewhere passed 125-130 million when it's all set and done(possibly more depending on how soon sony will bring out ps5)

think about it all publishers and analysts said xbox will outsell ps4 before both were even unveiled and they placed their bets with the wrong horse

ps3 was a mistake early on but in my opinion became a legendary console in the end, it's exclusives were the best in gaming(in my opinion) and it had something for everyone

ps4 is a combination of ps2-ps3 and best of both worlds. sony understood their mistakes and learned their lessons and knew it's gonna require support from day one world wide and that's what it has gotten

now they are in the best position to undercut scorpio big time in pricing and software departments

[fenome]

Yeah, that's what I was really wondering when I was thinking about this, if it can actually surpass the PS2. I honestly think it can considering the support they give their consoles. They release games for 10+ years on their consoles. Shit, the last PS2 game was released in 2014, the PS4 was out and they still had games coming to the PS2, so that's saying something.

Edit:
I meant to reply to your other comment. My phone and I don't always get along. Lol

[Sunny_D]

That's good to hear. I believe some of the reasons for this is a few things:
1. Video games are consumed on a much larger scale than ever before
2. There are more varieties of games that appeal to larger groups of people
3. There are different ways of buying games now at different prices that work for a lot of income budgets
4. PS4 really has no competition at this moment when it comes to software, so people are putting more focus on investing in the Playstation brand.

[FallenAngel1984]

B-B-But the console market is dying 😆

[UCForce]

They were wrong all this time.

[Melankolis]

They would be right if console makers slack off...the mobile threats are real...
Sony and Steam are doing things right, Microsoft and nintendo need to improve...
...and Konami go to hell...

[NZLAnonymous]

Sales for consoles are going fine. But both the PS4 and XBO have lower attach rates. The PS3 had 11.2 while the 360 had 11.7 . I sourced that from VGchartz so take that with a grain of salt

[NZLAnonymous]

And the XBO has an attach rate of 6.83 apparently

[badz149]

@FallenAngle1984

You forgot PS4 gamers don't buy games

[StormLegend]

PS4 is on track to be one of Sony greatest selling consoles. Just gotta beat PS1 and maybe PS2

[I_am_Batman]

It's probably going to beat the PS3 numbers. PS1 might be a close one but there is no way it's reaching anywhere near the 150 millions of the PS2.

[Imalwaysright]

PS2 will remain the best selling wich imo is well deserved because its the best console ever made and all due to its software.

[Fishy Fingers]

Expected no? Times have moved on, with digital downloads theres much more convenience and the ability for impulse buys. Coupled with a steady influx of cheaper/indie titles I'm not surprised to see higher attach rates than the good ol days.

[CapitalGamerNZ]

Its a good point. I wonder how the comparative revenues stack up. Regardless, high software sales is never a bad thing.

[OB1Biker]

It's even better that it makes complete sense.

[rainslacker]

Not just digital, but the places where games can be brought has risen signficantly, and the mainstream marketing for them has also grown leaps and bounds from those days.

[Benchm4rk]

I've only owned my PS4 for a few weeks now and I already own 12 games for it. They have had some Amazing sales on the PlayStation store throughout January :)

[Why o why]

Welcome....theres a ton of stuff you may of missed and a ton of stuff on route...you will game

[Benchm4rk]

Thanks bud. I've owned a ps3 since 08 but I'm ashamed to say I only ever played 3 games on it. I had never even played any Naughty Dog games. I recently finished Uncharted 1 and just started Uncharted 2. I'm really loving them.

[Goldby]

if you dont already have them,

i suggest picking up Last of Us Remaster in preparation for the sequel. Infamous First Light, Journey, Resogun and Paragon.

[rainslacker]

I brought 9 over the weekend during that $5 and under sale. There was one around 5-6 months ago where I brought 15 odd games through various bundles. i probably have close to 100 physical titles already. I may get a chance to play the half I haven't gotten to yet one day.:)

[Promachos]

Sony’s secret? SALES! They give us sales almost every month now. 20% off sales, Digital sales, PSplus Sales, 75% off sales, January sales and so on…

[Mr-Dude]

To be fair, I was kinda pissed with all the sales. I bought FFXV and Last Guardian, both day one. Within one month they were on sale... Not cool.

[Big_Game_Hunters]

PS2 Didn't have COD and AC selling 10+ million every year.
PS2 didn't have free games being given out every month to millions of people who pay for online that are registered as "sales".

[aaronaton]

Thing is.... PS2 games weren't exactly £10 throw away games and there are plenty of them of both the PSN and Xbox store.
Before someone say i'm bashing the brand... i am the biggest Playstation fanboy you'll ever meet!

[mkis007]

Some of these flash deals on psn have been amazing! Steam Sale levels of savings!

[Yohshida]

Not really sure if we should compare ps2 to 4 in Terms of Software sales. After all you can buy games for a Dollar or two in the store.

[OB1Biker]

It would be interesting to have the numbers for all the consoles and handhelds.

[Yohshida]

True, would really like to see those numbers.

Currently at 2 physical and 45 digital Games on Ps4.

Xbox One right now at 54 physical and 160 digital

Also what about ps1? About 600 physical :P

Ps2 only around 30, wasnt my fav console.

[OB1Biker]

I didnt mean your numbers haha

[stonecold3]

well done sony

[Jayszen]

This is a testament to the manner in which Sony have promoted the PS4 this generation from the outset and ensured that the console has major first-party, multi-platform and indie support throughout the year. In just the first month of 2017, we have 3 major releases - Gravity Rush 2, Yakuza 0 which are exclusives and then we have Resident Evil 7 for which the ability to play the entire game in VR is exclusive to the PS4 for a year and a host of other smaller releases. Next month we see Nioh and then the huge release of Horizon: Zero Dawn in March. This is why the PS4 is so successful.

[Mr-Dude]

With the PS5 they only have to continue this. Advanced hardware and backward compatible. I bought most of my games digital this generation. I would be pissed if the PS5 isn't BC..

But besides that, what more can they do..

[DC777]

Not surprised. I think I have 84 games in my library. I never felt those other consoles had a ton of great games.

[LAWSON72]

If this is with digital which I am assuming is the case, not impressive at all. Indies and sub $20 games are bigger than ever. Heck you throw in PSN Flash sales it is even less impressive.

Either way attachment rates are nonsense. If that is not the case and that is all physical, congrats their ps4 owners managed to own half of a game more than the Wii owners.

According to old articles, the 360 at the end of 09 had an attach rate of 8.8 with 40.2M sales, so look 360 was more impressive because I doubt it dropped that much at 50M.

[mike32UK]

Whatever helps you sleep at night guy

[johndoe11211]

Don't be "that guy".

[georgenancy]

LOL DUDE..

[XtreemGamer]

poor Xbox fanboy is in struggle.. cry some more

[LAWSON72]

Nope simply stating my thoughts on how this not that impressive if it includes digital (and how if that is the case it is far from impressive)and it is easy to make something sound impressive when you only compare it to systems it beat yet didnt mention the others.

Digital games are constantly on sale at sub $10 prices. Something physical new retail games have never been giving it quite the upper hand. If you think selling only 7.5 sub $10 games is impressive good for you personally I dont.

[rainslacker]

Yeah, if it's digital it means nothing /s

Seriously, attach rate is one of the number one metrics that publishers look at when looking at what systems to support. 360 attach rates were good, but never at an 8+. I've seen actual publisher provided numbers from those days, and it wasn't that high. Attach rate actually went down as the generation carried on as more casuals got on board.

No matter how one tries to down play this information in some vain fan boy attempt to make Sony look bad, to everyone in the industry, 7+ is really good. The average and highest sustained attach rate of any console is in the mid 6's, and some don't even breach 5.

Anyhow, no matter how you spin it, PS4 has sold through 410 copies of software. That's a ton of money, even with all those indies and sub $20 games, which realistically don't even make up 20% of total sales numbers, and if they do, then you know the publishers of those games are probably loving the PS4, because that's a ton of revenue for what amounts to low risk investments.

Glad I could show how your spin is still positive for the industry. Sorry it doesn't help your argument.

[zivtheawesome]

the reason in my opinion is cause sony are making lately a TON of amazing sales that are really worth buying games in them. so good job to Sony.
also it could be the due to the rise of digital sales as well.

[Puertorock77]

Digital distribution, better game deals and more variety are contributing factors. I never would of though I would see a console do better that the PS2. What an amazing time to be a gamer.

[KickSpinFilter]

Lets see...
Second Son
Madden 2016
BF1
Titanfall2
The last Guardian
COD IW/MWr
TLOUr
UC4
DriveClub
COD AW
Watchdogs2
Batman AC
JustDance 2015
The Division
SW battlefront
that's 15 not even including digital games like Inside and the like.
So I def can see 7.5 attach-rate easily

[Captain_Tom]

Indeed it seems like PS4 is still narrowly keeping ahead of the PS2.

I still expect it to sell around 100m though. But a higher number of software sales would make it arguably just as successful overall.

[Mr_Luke]

Nice, not bad at all. And it's going to be even better with all the new games coming out, i guess. I was checking today the store and i would buy half the things that came out... something i can't do but i'll be fine with REVII ;P

[Relientk77]

Awesome and the games are not slowing down. Just got Tales of Berseria :)