US Video Game Spending to Hit $62.8 Billion by 2026
▼ Summary
– US consumer spending on video games is projected to increase 3% to $62.8 billion in 2026, potentially surpassing the 2021 record high.
– Growth is expected to be driven by major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 and the Nintendo Switch 2 console, alongside subscription content.
– The Nintendo Switch 2, launched in 2025, became the fastest-selling console in the US after its first seven months on the market.
– Hardware sales face potential headwinds this year due to rising component costs, which have already affected Steam Deck OLED stock and may delay the PlayStation 6.
– Other anticipated games like Resident Evil: Requiem and Marvel’s Wolverine are also forecast to contribute significantly to the market’s revenue growth.
The video game industry in the United States is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating consumer spending will climb to $62.8 billion by 2026. This represents a notable 3% increase, signaling a robust and expanding market for interactive entertainment. This upward trend follows a year where total spending on hardware, game content, and accessories reached $60.7 billion, itself a 1.4% rise from the previous period.
Industry analysts point to several key drivers for this anticipated surge. The forecast suggests that 2026 could finally eclipse the previous record of $61.7 billion set back in 2021. A major contributor is expected to be the continued success of the Nintendo Switch 2, which has maintained remarkable sales velocity since its launch. The console established itself as the fastest-selling in the U.S. market within its first seven months, and this momentum is predicted to carry forward.
Software releases are also set to play a pivotal role. The launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 is anticipated to be a monumental event, likely boosting sales not just for the game itself, but also for related hardware, accessories, and subscription services. Its cultural impact and massive fanbase make it a primary engine for market growth. It will be joined by other high-profile titles like Resident Evil: Requiem, Pokémon: Pokopia, and Marvel’s Wolverine, all of which are expected to contribute substantially to overall revenue.
Despite these positive indicators, the industry landscape is not without its challenges. Analysts warn of potential headwinds, particularly for hardware sales. Increasing pressure from rising component costs could negatively impact console availability and pricing this year. There have already been reports of stock issues for devices like the Steam Deck OLED in certain regions. Furthermore, speculation suggests that constraints on memory and storage could lead Sony to delay the launch of a PlayStation 6 until as late as 2028 or 2029.
This creates a dynamic of both opportunity and risk. The combination of a powerful software lineup and strong consumer engagement with subscription services points toward an exciting period for gamers and publishers alike. However, the hardware segment may face a more complex path, requiring careful navigation of supply chain and cost pressures. The overall health of the market will depend on balancing these competing forces, with blockbuster software potentially offsetting any temporary slowdowns in hardware adoption.
(Source: Games Industry)
