Physical Games Spending Was Up In August Thanks To Key Cards
Kotaku • • technology
Key Points:
- Consumer spending on new physical video games in the U.S. rose 5% year-over-year in 2026, driven primarily by a 631% increase in spending on game-key cards, largely due to more titles available and the release of the Switch 2 console.
- Despite the growth in physical game sales, overall content spending in August dropped 10%, mainly because of declines in mobile and console content, though PC content and subscription spending saw increases.
- NBA 2K27 led August sales and is now the third best-selling game of the year, while Elden Ring, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece saw significant sales boosts from new releases and promotions.
- Hardware spending decreased 3% overall, with unit sales down 15% year-over-year—the lowest August figures since 2013—despite a 17% increase in PS5 dollar sales, as Xbox and Switch 2 sales declined.
- Accessories spending rose 3%, and the average price for new hardware units reached $541, reflecting higher costs amid declining unit sales across major platforms.
