Xbox Series S Was India’s Best-Selling Console in March 2021

The Xbox Series S and Series X were India’s best-selling consoles in March 2021. Now, by and large, India is PlayStation country. To the point where Sony openly admits to having 90 percent of the nation’s console market share. However this seems to be changing. According to multiple retailers across India, the best-selling console in March 2021 was the Xbox Series S followed by the Series X. The smaller, less powerful next-generation console from Microsoft launched alongside the more powerful Xbox Series X on November 10, 2020 in India and has seen frequent restocks. Which has not been the case with Sony’s PS4 or PS5.

Every retailer we spoke to told us that the lack of PS4 and PS5 compelled customers to pick up the Xbox Series S instead. At the same time, February and March had a slew of Xbox-specific announcements such as a wealth of Bethesda titles now on Xbox Game Pass and indies aplenty also showing up on Microsoft’s subscription service both of which they claim, played a role in customers choosing the Xbox Series S.

“Most of them showed up to buy a PS4,” says one store executive on the condition of anonymity. “When we told them it was out of stock and explained to them what Game Pass is and how many games they get access to, they picked up a Series S instead.”

This isn’t just the case offline either. Multiple online retailers have seen an uptick in Xbox Series S sales while the console has routinely been on Amazon India’s best-selling list too. Though some believe the company could be doing more.

“It’s only sold well because it’s what’s available,” says a manager at a large format electronics chain. “We’d have sold the same — if not more, if we had the Series X instead.”

Considering Microsoft distributor Redington’s Xbox Series X rollout is erratic at best, only supplying major Indian retailers right now, it makes us wonder where all of the stock is going. A cursory glance at the Xbox Series X Telegram bot shows the distributor’s — and Microsoft’s preference for online retail alone with frequent restocks. This suggests that while the Xbox Series S sees wider distribution beyond the likes of Amazon, Series X appears to be more restricted.

Now while Microsoft does not usually comment on India Xbox sales (though IGN India has reached out to the company) it is heartening to see a considerable amount of activity surrounding the Xbox Series S. With PS5 restocks expected soon it will be interesting to see if Xbox is able to maintain its new-found momentum.

For the latest gaming news and reviews, follow IGN India on Twitter and Facebook. For the latest gaming videos, follow us on Instagram.