The race from launch day
Cumulative units by months since each console's own launch. Sources can measure shipments, customer sales or estimates; figures between reports are modelled.
Side by side
| SNES | Xbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative units (estimated) | 49,100,000 | 24,000,000 |
| After 4y 5m on sale | ≈ 33.9M | ≈ 24M |
| Released | November 21, 1990 | November 15, 2001 |
| Time on the market | 13y 4m | 4y 5m |
| Average per day | ≈ 10K | ≈ 15K |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which sold more, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System or the Xbox?
As of October 30, 2026, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System leads our tracked comparison: about 49.1 million units against 24 million for the Xbox, a gap of 25.1 million. Figures may mix reported shipments, customer sales and estimates.
How many Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Xbox consoles have been sold?
Super Nintendo Entertainment System: 49.1 million units as of March 31, 2004 (Nintendo annual results, fiscal year to March 2004; measurement not specified). Xbox: 24 million units as of May 10, 2006 (Microsoft, via The Register; measurement not specified).
Figures can measure shipments, customer sales or estimates; these are not directly interchangeable. Between reports our model projects an estimate, not observed transactions. The changing digits show the model's output, not its accuracy. Its inputs and assumptions are corrected when new figures are available. Sources and method