Research reveals PS5 as the most played console in the USA; PS4 outperforms Xbox Series
The PlayStation 5 is the console most regularly used by gamers in the United States, according to data from a new survey released by Statista on Tuesday, August 8, 2026. The survey highlights the leadership of the Sony device and surprises by showing the persistence of the PlayStation 4, which still registers more frequent use than consoles in the Xbox Series line.
Sony consoles lead the preference of American players
The Statista survey shows that 46% of respondents in the United States said they regularly play on the PlayStation 5. This percentage consolidates the Sony platform at the top of the active use ranking in the country. In second place is the original Nintendo Switch, used by 33% of the players surveyed, demonstrating Nintendo’s strong user base.
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PlayStation 4 maintains relevance and surpasses newer consoles
One of the most notable points of the study is the continued performance of the PlayStation 4. Even though it is a previous generation console, the PS4 appears ahead of both the Xbox Series X|S and the Xbox One in terms of regular use. This data underlines the longevity of the platform and the loyalty of its player base, who continue to prefer the console even after the launch of its successors. The PS4’s persistence highlights a pattern where consoles with large game libraries and more affordable prices maintain their market share for years.
PS5 sales performance and the rise of the Switch 2
The PlayStation 5’s success in the usage rankings accompanies its robust global sales numbers. The console has already surpassed the mark of 95.3 million units sold worldwide since its launch, according to Sony’s financial report until June 30, 2026. The Japanese company sold 1.6 million consoles between April and June of the same year, despite a 36% drop compared to the previous period. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch 2, a newer platform, continues to expand its market share. Although it is still behind its predecessor, this difference is expected to decrease as the console’s installed base grows.
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- See regular console usage data in the United States:
- PlayStation 5: 46%
- Nintendo Switch (original): 33%
- PlayStation 4: (ahead of Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One)
- Xbox Series X|S: (behind PS4)
- Xbox One: (behind PS4)
Sony’s decision on disc games and the future of physical media
The usage and sales figures come at a time of significant transformation for the console market. Sony recently announced a decision that will profoundly impact the industry: from January 2028, the company will stop producing games on discs for PlayStation. This measure generated criticism from players and collectors, who expressed concern about the future of physical media and the preservation of games in an increasingly digital scenario. The transition to a predominantly digital ecosystem could change the way consumers acquire and access their games, raising discussions about digital versus physical ownership.
