Key Takeaways
1. Video game hardware sales decreased by 13% in May 2023 compared to May 2022, dropping from $197 million to $172 million.
2. The PS5 remains the top-selling console, with a 3% increase in sales, while the Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch saw declines of 30% and 44%, respectively.
3. Accessory sales also declined by 6%, from $165 million to $154 million, with the PS5 Dual Sense Wireless Controller being the best-selling accessory.
4. Year-to-date sales for video game hardware dropped by 26%, and accessory sales saw a 12% decline.
5. The ongoing sales drop suggests that current consoles may be nearing the end of their life cycle, indicating a potential need for new generation upgrades.
The sales of video game consoles and accessories has been going down, according to new data from an analysis firm that reveals much lower sales figures for May compared to last year. The PS5 keeps its number one position among the consoles sold, however, the Xbox Series and the original Switch did not perform as well.
Sales Data Overview
This information comes from Circana through Mat Piscatella on BlueSky, showing that the spending on video game hardware decreased by 13% in May this year versus last year. The total dropped from $197 million to $172 million, continuing a trend observed over the past few months. Despite this, the PS5 (Buy on Amazon) experienced a 3% increase in sales, making it the top hardware seller in units and dollars. Conversely, sales for the Xbox Series consoles and the original Nintendo Switch plummeted by 30% and 44%, respectively.
Accessories and Year-to-Date Sales
When it comes to accessories, there was a 6% decline in sales, decreasing from $165 million to $154 million. The PS5 Dual Sense Wireless Controller in Midnight Black (Buy on Amazon) emerged as the top-selling accessory in both units and dollars.
Circana also provided year-to-date (YTD) data but mentioned that January 2024 had a five-week tracking period while January 2025 was only four weeks. During this timeframe, video game hardware sales dropped by 26%, and accessory sales saw a 12% decline.
Market Trends and Best-Selling Games
This ongoing drop hints that the PS5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch consoles may be reaching the end of their life cycle. The PS5 and Xbox Series were introduced in 2020 while the original Switch launched in 2017. Although there is a new Switch model available, the PS5 and Xbox Series appear to be due for a new generation upgrade.
In terms of the best-selling video games for May, Elden Ring: Nightreign and Doom: The Dark Ages took the top two places, while The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, which was the best-seller the previous month, slipped to number four. There has also been a surge in sales for Star Wars: Battlefront II, which rose from 135 to number 12 in May due to recent buzz around the game.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply