Following the November 2025 Circana report revealing record-low US console unit sales of 1.6 million since 1995, hardware spending hit $695 million—the weakest dollar figure since 2005—amid prices doubling to $439 since 2019. Total spending fell 4% to $5.9 billion despite Black Friday deals.
Building on Circana's findings of just 1.6 million consoles sold in the US last November—the lowest since 1995 despite the Nintendo Switch 2 launch—dollar figures underscore the slump. Hardware generated $695 million, down to levels not seen since 2005, while overall video game spending dropped 4% to $5.9 billion from $6.1 billion a year prior.
Prices remain a barrier, averaging $439, up from $235 in 2019, deterring buyers even with promotions. Brand performances: Xbox Series down 70% year-over-year, PlayStation 5 (top unit seller) off 40%, Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 down 10%, and accessories 13%.
Software showed resilience, led by Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Battlefield 6, Minecraft, Red Dead Redemption II, Ghost of Yotei, and The Outer Worlds 2.
Experts like Mat Piscatella warn of ongoing pressures from rising RAM costs into 2026, likely pushing prices higher. Circana advises grabbing current deals, especially on physical media amid digital shifts.
