Analyst almost doubles Xbox One X sales estimate

The supercharged Xbox One X has finally hit shelves, and while it might be some time until we get any official sales figures, industry analyst IHS Markit believes the console might exceed expectations. 

The firm has already revised its own launch estimates based on pre-order feedback, increasing its sell-through forecast from 500,000 to 900,000 units. 

At that level, the Xbox One X's share of the total Q4 Xbox One console family sales would be close to 20 percent, which is very similar to the PS4 Pro's launch performance. If that happens, IHS believes Microsoft will consider the Xbox One X launch a "major success."

What's more, IHS is predicting that a small share of PS4 Pro owners will jump ship to the Xbox One X out of a desire to own the most powerful playing hardware.

Looking at the Xbox One X from a global perspective, the group suggests the console will be more successful in key markets like the U.S. and the UK.

"The Xbox One X is poised to give the company a boost in its ambition to compete more effectively with PS4 Pro in strategically important markets of the USA and UK. Other select markets, such as Germany in Europe with its PC gaming heritage, are also forecast to deliver solid launch traction," reads an IHS report. 

"Overall, however, IHS Markit does not expect Xbox One X to have a dramatic impact on market share between Sony and Microsoft in continental Europe, as the market’s current momentum is well entrenched.

"IHS Markit currently forecasts the Western Europe install base of PS4 consoles to reach 26 million by the end of 2017, compared to 8 million for the Xbox One family of consoles."