Spending on video game hardware in November hit $695 million, a 27% drop from last year. This is the lowest November total since 2005. Only 1.6 million units were sold, the fewest since 1995.
One reason for this decline is the high cost of consoles. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles recently turned five years old, but price increases this year have made new units less affordable. The average price for new video game hardware reached $439, an 11% rise from 2024. For comparison, it was only $235 in November 2019.
Despite lower sales, the PlayStation 5 emerged as the top-selling console in both units and revenue, a first since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch 2 was a close second, while the Nex Playground came in third for units sold. The Xbox Series ranked third in revenue.
In gaming titles, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was the month’s best-seller. However, the Call of Duty franchise overall saw a significant decline in sales compared to last year. Activision has decided to alter its release strategy for future Call of Duty games. Instead of consecutive releases, they will space them out to refresh interest.
Experts have pointed out that these trends reflect a shift in gamer spending habits. A recent survey found that many gamers prefer to wait for sales or bundles before purchasing new hardware. This trend could indicate a growing skepticism toward high-priced consoles and a desire for more value.
Looking back at the gaming industry, the rise in digital sales and subscriptions is also notable. A decade ago, physical sales dominated the market. Now, digital editions often outsell physical ones and provide gamers with more options. As the landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential for manufacturers and publishers to adapt to these changes to stay relevant.
For those wanting to dive deeper into the market trends, Circana provides valuable insights and analysis on these shifts. Understanding these dynamics can help gamers make more informed choices in the future.
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