Playstation 4

Sony has announced it's sold more than 5.3m PlayStation 4 units around the world.

It had forecasted it would shift 5m before the end of the current financial year, which ends on 31st March, so PS4 is way ahead of schedule.

The sales update comes just a few days before the PS4 goes on sale in Japan, where it's expected to sell out. It went on sale in Europe on 29th November 2013.

"I am thrilled that so many customers around the globe have continued to select PS4 as the best place to play throughout and beyond the holiday season," said Sony Computer Entertainment boss Andrew House.

"We are delighted that according to the NPD Group's latest data, PS4 was January's top-selling console in the United States. The PS4 system's momentum just keeps growing stronger, and we are extremely grateful for the continued passion and support of PlayStation fans.

"February 22 sees the launch of PS4 in Japan, and I'm looking forward to Japanese fans sharing the excitement of the deep social capabilities and entertainment experiences only possible on PS4."

As of 24th January, Microsoft had shipped 3.9m Xbox One units globally. PS4 sold nearly double the Xbox One in the US last month, but Microsoft Xbox One is selling over twice as fast as its predecessor, the Xbox 360.

The PlayStation 4 got off to a strong start in Japan, home country of the console's maker, Sony.

PS4 launched in Japan on Saturday 22nd February and, according to Famitsu (via Siliconera), over the weekend it shifted 322,083 units. PS4 sold 250,000 in the UK during its launch weekend.

PS4's Japan launch weekend sales are above those of the Wii U (308K) but under the Wii (371K) and the all conquering PlayStation 2 (630K). However, Sony Japan will no doubt be pleased that PS4 sold significantly more than its predecessor, the PlayStation 3, which shifted just 88K during its launch weekend back in November 2006.

Sony's PS4 has sold extremely well since it went on sale last year. As of 8th February it had sold more than 5.3m units - that was before it went on sale in Japan.

Sony had targeted 5m sales before the end of its financial year on 31st March 2014.