According to data compiled by market research firm Circana, consumer spending on video game hardware throughout November amounted to approximately $695 million, marking a sharp and notable 27 percent decline when compared to the same period one year earlier. This downturn represents the weakest performance for video game hardware expenditure in any November since the $455 million figure recorded during the November 2005 reporting cycle. In practical terms, that means the market has reached an eighteen-year low in monthly spending for the category—a stark indicator of slowed momentum during what is typically a high-demand shopping season. Circana further reported that total unit sales reached around 1.6 million consoles across the United States, and this too reflected a significant historical context: it was the smallest number of units sold for any November since 1995, when approximately 1.4 million systems made their way into consumers’ homes.
Several contributing factors may explain this downturn, with escalating console prices standing out as a major culprit. Among the key drivers of higher consumer costs are the recent price increases imposed on the latest consoles. Both Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series family of devices reached their fifth anniversaries this November, but the celebrations have been tempered by financial realities. Gamers hoping to purchase a new console at retail this year have encountered steeper price tags following incremental hikes implemented earlier in 2024. As a direct result of this upward adjustment, Circana reported that the average amount paid for a new gaming system in November rose to an all-time high for that month—approximately $439. This figure represents an 11 percent increase from the previous year, further illustrating how the consumer burden has grown. To place this development in broader perspective, back in November 2019, the average price stood at roughly $235, according to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, showcasing just how rapidly costs have escalated over a relatively short period.
Despite this increasingly expensive marketplace, the PlayStation 5 stood out as November’s top-selling console, leading the market both in the total number of units sold and in total dollar sales. Remarkably, this marks the first occasion since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 that Sony’s flagship device has reclaimed this dual leadership position, a testament to its enduring popularity among core gamers. The Nintendo Switch 2 maintained its strong presence as well, coming in second place by both units sold and revenue generated. Meanwhile, the Nex Playground secured the third position in unit sales, highlighting its emergent appeal in a competitive environment, while the Xbox Series consoles occupied the third slot in total dollar-based rankings, suggesting that while fewer units were sold, their higher average price helped maintain revenue performance.
Turning to software, Activision’s flagship title *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7* emerged as the best-selling game of the month, continuing the franchise’s long-established pattern of dominating sales charts during the holiday window. However, the series also faced a financial setback: Circana observed that the *Call of Duty* franchise experienced a double-digit percentage decline in full-game dollar sales when compared to November 2024. In response to this shifting dynamic, Activision recently disclosed a significant adjustment to its release strategy, announcing that it would no longer alternate consecutive yearly launches between its *Modern Warfare* and *Black Ops* subseries. This strategic pivot reflects an attempt to rebalance creative cycles and sustain long-term engagement with players amid evolving consumer trends and franchise fatigue.
Overall, November’s data paints a complex and somewhat sobering picture of the current gaming landscape. Shrinking hardware sales, elevated pricing, and shifting purchasing habits suggest a market in transition—one where both manufacturers and publishers must adapt to changing expectations while waiting for the next wave of technological innovation to rekindle widespread enthusiasm among players.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/846693/video-game-hardware-sales-november-2025-circana
