PlayStation relies on friends and convenience, not just exclusives - analysts

According to a report by the analytical company Circana, consoles like the PS5 continue to win due to exclusive games.

41% of active users in the US choose the platform for projects that competitors do not have. While Microsoft releases games on various devices, Sony focuses on exclusives – examples include Saros and the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine.

The second key factor is the ecosystem and environment. About 38% choose the platform because their friends and family use it.

Players value the simplicity of co-op gaming in front of the TV and the home atmosphere compared to PC. For almost a quarter, the ability to buy physical editions is important – they are more often available on consoles.

The role of exclusives as the main argument is declining: over the year, the indicator fell by 8%. Analyst Mat Piscatella notes that while exclusives attract people to the brand, players spend most of their time on multiplatform hits.

As of mid-April 2026, Fortnite, Roblox, Call of Duty, and NBA 2K26 remain at the top on PlayStation and Xbox.

The market is becoming more complex: consoles are bought for unique games, but players stay because of friends and the convenience of online projects.