In the battle for Bermudian living rooms between Microsoft and Sony’s next generation video game consoles, the PlayStation 4 appears to have a leg up on the Xbox One when it comes to console preferences on the Island.

Both companies have sold more than two million units each in under a month at shops around the globe, but with local retailers struggling to even land the consoles, many residents are turning to online distributors.

Globally, demand and supply are favouring the PS4 ahead of Christmas, with Sony’s console selling at an average of 40 percent above its retail price of $400.

That demand appears to have made its way to Bermuda, said President of Mailboxes Unlimited, Steve Thomson.

“Yes, we’ve brought in a lot of PlayStations,” said Mr Thomson. “We were bringing in several a day at one point — but the reason was because, when they were pre-released, they were being offered at $399. So that was quite hot. Post-release they went up to $599 and it still was quite hot. We were bringing in several a day, but now it’s dropped off.”

Despite going on sale just a week after the PS4 hit retail shelves, Mr Thomson said there’s been no noticeable increase in Xbox One imports as Christmas looms.

“Now the Xbox One has come out, we haven’t seen any uptick in that,” he explained. “We do bring them in, and they are coming in, but we haven’t seen a huge uptick.”

“I think that most people, if they can get (a next generation console) here, try to buy it here. But maybe they were forced to go overseas because the deal was so good, or they just couldn’t get them.”

The latter seems the most likely culprit, as retailers yesterday said they have been struggling to secure any significant number of units despite growing demand.

Shallan Dennis, owner of Electronic Entertainment, said she received her first shipment on Wednesday morning — two PS4’s — and immediately sold out.

Meanwhile, Leisure Time General Manager Jan Hollis said the store has received just one-twentieth of its initial order. Importing more units to fill the demand raises the price, she said, which is being passed onto the customers in the form of an $899 pricetag for an Xbox One, and $799 pricetag for a PS4.

“It’s supply and demand,” said Mr Thomson. “If people want it, and it costs more to get it in Bermuda quickly, then I guess you just have to pay more.”