Earlier this month, Sony announced that its newly released PS4 console had already hit 2.1 million units sold in just 18 days. The sell through rate was unprecedented for a new console, and many waited to see if Microsoft could follow suit with its new Xbox One. As it turns out, Microsoft got really close.

Microsoft announced today that the Xbox One has sold 2 million units since its launch on November 22. To put things into more perspective, the company says that it sold 111,111 units per day over the last 18 days. Microsoft notes that the Xbox One is the fastest selling console its ever made which isn’t too surprising as the Xbox and Xbox 360 both got off to slow starts.

“We continue to be humbled and overwhelmed by the positive response from our fans. We are thrilled to see sales of Xbox One on a record-setting pace, with over 2 million Xbox One consoles in homes around the world. Demand is exceeding supply in our 13 launch markets and Xbox One is sold out at most retailers. We’re also particularly excited to see consumers engaging in a wide range of games and entertainment experiences on the platform, with more than 1 million paid transactions on Xbox Live to date,” said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of strategy and marketing, Xbox.

Microsoft notes that the console is sold out at pretty much every retailer around the nation. In statements from retailers like Amazon, GameStop and Walmart, they all say that demand far outstrips supply. The stores reiterate, however, that they’re doing their best to get more stock in before the holidays. Microsoft also says that it’s doing what it can to meet consumer demand.

While Sony had a week head start on the Xbox One, it looks like both consoles are pretty much tied in sales. A 100,000 unit lead doesn’t really say much now, and Sony has surely sold more consoles in the week since it first announced its 2.1 million units sold milestone. It’s still worth mentioning that the two consoles will probably remain tied until Sony launches the PS4 in Japan on February 22. At that time, we may just see Sony pull ahead in worldwide sales as Microsoft is still working to launch the Xbox One in Eastern Europe and Asia.

[Image: Xbox Wire]