- The Nintendo Switch 2 is now the second fastest-selling video game hardware in US tracked history
- The console sold 5.9 million units by the end of its first year of release
- The PS5 and Xbox Series consoles have seen a drop in sales due to price hikes
The Nintendo Switch 2 has just hit a huge sales record in the US within its first 12 months of release, but Xbox and PS5 console unit sales have seen a steep decline.
According to a new report from Circana, the Switch 2 was the best-selling hardware platform in both units and dollars for May and 2026 year-to-date, achieving a US install base of 5.9 million units by the end of its first year of release.
This makes the Switch 2 the second fastest-selling video game hardware in US tracked history, behind the Game Boy Advance, which sold 6.5 million units in its first year.
Thanks to the Switch 2, overall spending on gaming hardware has increased by 38% to $249 million, compared to one year ago.
However, due to recent price increases, PS5 spending was down 43% and had a significant 58% drop in unit sales, while Xbox Series hardware spending grew 7% versus a year ago, but unit sales fell by 12%.
As a result, "PlayStation hardware unit sales fell to their lowest May total since May 2000, while Xbox hardware unit sales were the lowest ever recorded for a May month."
Microsoft yesterday announced that, effective August 1, 2026, the price of the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles will increase by $100 for 512 GB models and $150 for 1 TB models. The company will also be sunsetting its 2TB model, a result of the ongoing memory crisis.
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➡️ Read our full guide to the best gaming consoles
1. Best overall:
PlayStation 5 Slim
2. Best budget:
Xbox Series S
3. Best handheld:
Nintendo Switch 2
4. Most powerful:
PlayStation 5 Pro
