May 2026 proved to be a challenging month for Xbox and PlayStation hardware sales in the U.S., with both consoles seeing significant drops in unit sales according to Circana's latest monthly analysis. Xbox hardware unit sales experienced their worst May performance on record, while PlayStation recorded its lowest unit sales for the month since 2000.
This downturn coincides with a notable increase in the average price of new video game hardware. In May, the average price paid for a new unit reached $502, a 14 percent increase from the previous year's $440. The PlayStation 5 saw its average price surge by 33 percent year-over-year to $672, and the Xbox Series experienced a 22 percent increase, bringing its average price to $524.
Despite the decline in unit sales, Xbox hardware spending saw a 7 percent increase year-over-year. This phenomenon is attributed to the rising prices, which have increased revenue per unit sold, even as the total number of units moved decreased by 12 percent. Circana analyst Mat Piscatella noted that while Xbox hardware unit sales hit a record low for May, the increased revenue from each sale resulted in dollar sales growth. However, he characterized the results as "mixed," with Xbox currently tracking in a distant third place in overall hardware sales among major manufacturers.
PlayStation's performance was more severe, with a 43 percent year-on-year drop in spending and a substantial 58 percent decrease in unit sales. This indicates a more pronounced struggle for Sony's console in the current market.
In contrast, the Nintendo Switch 2 continued its strong performance, topping the charts as the best-selling platform in both units and dollar sales for May. It remains the best-selling console year-to-date. After its first year on the market, the Switch 2 has achieved 5.9 million unit sales in the U.S., positioning it as the second-fastest-selling piece of gaming hardware in U.S. history, trailing only the Game Boy Advance.
Looking ahead, Circana analyst Mat Piscatella suggested that the broad impact of price increases on hardware sales might present a challenge for the Switch 2. However, its price is not scheduled to increase until September 1.
On the software front, 007 First Light debuted as the best-selling game of May in the U.S. by full dollar sales. It also led sales on PlayStation platforms and became the fourth best-selling game of 2026 so far. Forza Horizon 6 secured the second spot for May and was the top seller on Xbox and PC, now ranking as the fifth best-selling game of the year. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight followed at third for the month and seventh year-to-date, with Subnautica 2 taking fourth place for May.
Other notable software debuts in the top 10 for May included Yoshi and the Mysterious Book at No. 8. Circana's updated methodology, which includes projected sales for games where complete digital data is not yet available, also accounted for titles like Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (No. 5), Crimson Desert (No. 7), and Mario Kart World (No. 10).
Resident Evil Requiem continues to hold its position as the year's best-selling game, with Crimson Desert in second place. According to Piscatella, the month's software sales were primarily driven by new releases. He also noted that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle debuted at No. 11 on the Nintendo platforms chart, a performance he described as "not too shabby," while Directive 8020 launched at No. 16 on PlayStation and No. 12 on Xbox.