Console hardware sales for both PlayStation and Xbox have reached new lows in the U.S. according to recent retail data from Circana. In August 2026, Xbox hardware sales were down 33% year-to-date compared to the previous year, while PlayStation sales saw a 25% decrease over the same period. This follows similar grim sales figures reported for July.
Looking specifically at August, PlayStation unit sales declined by 11% year-over-year, marking the lowest August total for the console since 2013. Xbox experienced a more substantial drop of 31%, resulting in its lowest August sales since 2020. Nintendo's hardware sales also saw a decrease, falling 15% from August last year.
These sales declines coincide with a series of price increases for current-generation consoles. The Xbox Series X now retails for $799.99, a $300 increase from its launch price. The base PlayStation 5, which initially cost $499, rose to $549.99 in August 2025 and saw another $100 increase in April 2026. The Nintendo Switch 2 also experienced a $50 price hike in September.
The RAM Crisis Impacts Console Manufacturing
The surge in console prices is attributed to a persistent component crisis, primarily affecting RAM. Tech companies are redirecting memory chip production, including SRAM, towards AI data centers. This shift has created a significant shortage of memory components essential for consumer electronics like game consoles. Consequently, the manufacturing cost for consoles has risen, with these expenses being passed on to consumers.
Circana data reveals that the average price paid for a new Xbox console through August 2026 has reached $529, a 26% increase from the prior year. The average PlayStation sold for $597, up 20%. These figures represent all-time U.S. highs for these systems, occurring nearly six years after their initial launch. Typically, console prices tend to decrease over time as they reach a wider audience.
While the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 is anticipated to provide a short-term boost to console sales, industry analysts suggest that hardware prices are unlikely to decrease in the near future due to the ongoing component shortages.