PS4 Outclasses Xbox One in U.S. Consumer Poll

Sony’s PlayStation 4 remains the most popular next-generation console in the minds of the average consumer, according to the results of a new poll organized by Reuters and Ipsos (via GameIndustry International). With the holiday season and two new pieces of gaming hardware approaching, the organization conducted a survey of almost 1,300 people in the U.S. between Sept. 23 and Sept. 24, discovering that the majority of Americans who are actually planning on buying a console this fall would rather send money Sony’s way.

The numbers indicate that about 26 percent of participants are likely to purchase a PlayStation 4 before the end of the year, while just 15 percent are looking to buy an Xbox One. Members of the survey group below the age of 40 show a greater interest in purchasing a new console, but the split between Sony and Microsoft was similar. About 41 percent voted for the PlayStation 4, compared to 27 percent for Xbox One.

However, the biggest group belonged to those who didn’t plan on buying any hardware at all this year. 64 percent chose this option, even with the availability of both new and old consoles this fall. That might change as the fervor of next-generation devices boils over, but for now, the numbers aren’t exactly too promising for an industry that’s already in a significant slump. 

As for the Wii U? Just 3 percent admitted to actually playing games on Nintendo's console.