PS4 and Xbox One Sales Show Consoles are Not Dead

Xbox boss says consoles are still a viable option.

With Xbox One and PS4 sales strong, the man in charge of Microsoft's games division says that they are not dead.

In an interview with Edge, Xbox head Phil Spencer spoke of previous years when he faced questions from journalists regarding the supposed poor health of the dedicated console business.

"I have a lot of respect for the team at Sony and the success they’ve had with PS4, and it’s a great time for the console industry," Spencer said.

"I’ve said this a few times, but four years ago when I was sitting doing these interviews it was, 'do people need consoles any more?' and, 'isn’t this just dead? Everybody’s playing on their phone.' And now you’re looking at the PS4 having sold over--I don’t remember their last number-- but over 20 million.

"And we’ve sold a ton of Xbox Ones globally, more than we’ve sold 360s [in the same period]. We’re both doing really well, and I think Nintendo has a plan for the future--I don’t know what the NX is, but it’s great just to see the business being done."

Also in the interview, Spencer acknowledged that Microsoft needs to strengthen Xbox One's market position across Europe.

"We need to do better in Europe. When I look globally, mainland Europe is definitely an area we want to focus on. I’m excited about going to Gamescom at the beginning of August, having another press show where we’re able to show games that we didn’t show here."