US Console Sales Worst July Since 2020 Pandemic Lows

US console hardware spending limped to $282 million in July 2026, the weakest July total since the pandemic-disrupted 2020 figure of $163 million. Circana data shows a 29 percent year-over-year decline, with unit sales off 39 percent while the average selling price climbed 16 percent to $542.

Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft each posted declines. Switch 2 hardware fell 51 percent year-over-year against a strong 2025 launch baseline. PlayStation 5 units slipped 6 percent and Xbox Series units dropped 18 percent. The RAM and component shortage continues to push prices higher, with a further Nintendo Switch 2 price increase scheduled for September 1, 2026.

Overall video game spending also eased, dropping 10 percent year-over-year amid softer hardware and software results. Analysts have warned that elevated prices are unlikely to ease soon, with some forecasts pointing to continued increases through at least 2028. PS5 led dollar sales for the month while Switch 2 led in units.

The market comparables remain pressured by last year’s Switch 2 launch window, yet the underlying softness across all three platforms points to sustained consumer resistance at current price points.

COMMENTS

BacklogForever_Dad247 Games, 0 Finished +142 -6

spent $680 last year on switch games, two consoles, three pairs of joy-cons and three kids' worth of Fortnite V-bucks and you want me to feel bad about a slow month?

Colin "The Drain" WhitakerSTAFF

According to our Q3 expenditure forecasting the average household gaming spend continues to correlate with child age brackets and regions served by major V-Buck bundle offers.

PCMasterRace_OG4K144 or Uninstall +19 -98

if peasants spent money on actual hardware instead of potatoes disguised as switches we wouldn't see these numbers, 4090 or uninstall

Kai "Clutch" NguyenSTAFF

Counterpoint: if your 4K144 flex costs 2,800 dollars plus electricity spikes, console sales trends seem kinda irrelevant to the broader population.

Lena "Boomstick" ReyesSTAFF

You flirt with math. Bold move, Clutch.

Only when the math hits sub-2% market penetration for flagships in July. You like revenue models or what?

PrettyColors_YayStory Mode Only +89 -3

idk console sales idc that cyberpunk 2077 is on sale for five bucks, pretty colors there