Xbox One sales reach 2 million units, now in dead heat with PS4

Microsoft announced today that Xbox One worldwide sales have reached more than 2 million consoles, bringing the company's new system nearly on par with Sony's PlayStation 4, which has sold 2.1 million consoles as of last week.

The 2 million Xbox One figure represents units sold-through to consumers. On average, more than 111,111 units have been sold per day, described as a "record-setting pace for Xbox," Microsoft said. More than 1 million systems were sold on launch-day alone.

Those who have purchased an Xbox One so far are showing "incredible engagement" with the system, Microsoft said. Users have spent more than 83 million hours in games, TV, and apps since launch on November 22. Including both digital games and video purchases, users have been responsible for more than 1 million paid transactions on Xbox Live so far.

“We continue to be humbled and overwhelmed by the positive response from our fans. We are thrilled to see sales of Xbox One on a record-setting pace, with over 2 million Xbox One consoles in homes around the world. Demand is exceeding supply in our 13 launch markets and Xbox One is sold out at most retailers. We’re also particularly excited to see consumers engaging in a wide range of games and entertainment experiences on the platform, with more than 1 million paid transactions on Xbox Live to date,” Microsoft marketing executive Yusuf Mehdi said in a statement.

Microsoft added that Xbox One owners have unlocked more than 39 million achievements worth a combined 595 million total Gamerscore.

The company's announcement today also includes quotes from various big-name retailers. Amazon director of video games said at peak demand, customers were ordering the Xbox One at over 1,000 units per minute. Meanwhile, GameStop merchandising executive Bob Puzon described the Xbox One as "one of our hottest selling products this holiday season." Wal-Mart VP of entertainment Chris Nagelson said the Xbox One was a "top-seller" on Black Friday and that the company is refreshing its inventory "as fast as we can" to ensure customers can purchase the system for Christmas.

For more on the Xbox One vs. PS4 ongoing sales story, check out GameSpot's editorial on the matter.