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PlayStation hardware sales fall to their lowest May total since 2000 | US Monthly Charts
PlayStation 5 unit sales in the US saw a significant 58% year-on-year drop in May, reaching their lowest point since 2000, following a price increase. Xbox unit sales also hit a record low for May. Despite this, overall US hardware spending rose 38% due to strong Nintendo Switch 2 performance, and total US video game spending increased by 3%.
PS5 pre-orders for GTA 6 are outselling Xbox by a huge margin
Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are significantly favoring the PlayStation 5 over the Xbox Series X/S, with data indicating a 6-to-1 sales ratio. Sony has emphasized its console's advantages, including DualSense features and faster load times, while Microsoft faces challenges with lower console sales and the potential impact of Xbox Game Pass on full-price game purchases.
GTA 6 launch means "demand will likely outstrip supply" for consoles in November, warns major retailer
A major retailer warns that the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in November will likely cause demand for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles to outstrip supply. Ongoing hardware component availability issues are expected to limit stock, despite efforts by Microsoft and Sony to increase production. The game's anticipated success is predicted to significantly strain the console market during the holiday season.
New report reveals the Nintendo Switch 2 is the second fastest-selling video game hardware in US history, as Xbox and…
A new report indicates the Nintendo Switch 2 has become the second fastest-selling video game hardware in US history, selling 5.9 million units in its first year. Meanwhile, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series console sales have declined significantly due to price hikes, with PlayStation hardware unit sales reaching their lowest May total since 2000.
Both PS5 and Xbox Series X sales were down in May
Sales for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X experienced significant drops in May, with Sony seeing a 58 percent decrease in units sold and Xbox Series X units falling 12 percent. Despite overall hardware spending growing seven percent year-over-year due to price increases, the Nintendo Switch continued to perform well, offsetting the declines of the other consoles.
PlayStation and Xbox console sales hit record lows in US amid price hikes
US console sales for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S have reached record lows in May, attributed to significant price increases. While overall hardware spending grew due to the Nintendo Switch's strong performance, the average price paid for consoles has risen substantially. This trend is expected to continue until major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 in November.
Morning Consolidation
Xbox consoles experienced their worst sales month on record in the US, while PlayStation 5 sales dropped by 58%. This decline coincides with soaring hardware prices, suggesting a significant downturn in console hardware market performance.
Switch 2 is the second fastest-selling console in US history, as PlayStation records its worst May in decades - and Xbox its worst May ever
The Nintendo Switch has become the second fastest-selling console in US history, while the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S recorded their worst May sales figures ever. This downturn is attributed to significant price increases across all platforms, driven by ongoing component shortages exacerbated by AI data center demand. The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 may offer a temporary boost, but concerns remain about console affordability and stock availability.
PS5 And Xbox Series X Both Didn’t Sell Very Well In May
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S experienced a significant drop in unit sales in May, despite an overall increase in hardware spending. Sony sold 58% fewer PS5 units compared to May 2025, marking the lowest May sales since 2000. Xbox unit sales fell 12%, the worst May performance since its launch, though Microsoft saw hardware spending increase due to price hikes. The Nintendo Switch continued its success, offsetting the declines of the other consoles.
Valve can afford a niche, pricey hardware launch; Sony and Microsoft can’t
The article analyzes the impact of rising hardware component prices on the video game industry, particularly for console manufacturers like Sony and Microsoft. While Valve's Steam Machine can find a niche despite its high price, Sony and Microsoft face greater risks if their next-generation consoles are priced out of the mass market due to these ongoing supply chain and pricing issues.
How to survive the memory shortage crisis: a PC owner's guide
This guide offers PC owners strategies to navigate the current memory shortage crisis, which is driving up prices for RAM, graphics cards, and other components. It suggests focusing on software solutions like upscaling and frame generation, optimizing existing hardware through updates and BIOS settings, and considering second-hand parts or cheaper alternatives for upgrades. The article anticipates that significant relief in memory pricing is unlikely before 2028 or 2029 due to high AI demand.
PS5, Xbox, And Switch 2: Here’s How Their Prices Have Changed Since Launch
Console prices have significantly increased across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch models due to global economic factors and component shortages. By mid-2026, prices for many consoles have risen by hundreds of dollars, with the PlayStation 5 Pro and Xbox Series X nearing $1,000. Companies are also exploring further monetization strategies for software and services.
Best-selling games in the U.S. for May 2026 – Yoshi and the Mysterious Book cracks the top 10
Circana has released the top-selling video game list for the U.S. in May 2026. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream remains a top seller at #5, while the new release Yoshi and the Mysterious Book debuted at #8. Other notable entries include 007 First Light, Forza Horizon 6, and Crimson Desert.
New report suggests retailers may run out of PS5 and Xbox stock 'around the launch of GTA 6' — 'Demand will likely outstrip supply during the year end period'
Retailers may face shortages of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles around the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 due to ongoing hardware component availability issues. Demand is expected to outstrip supply during the year-end period, despite assurances from Sony about PS5 stock for 2026. Xbox has acknowledged existing supply limitations.
The Morning After: Prices rocket up on Xboxes, MacBooks, iPads and more
Microsoft and Apple have implemented significant price increases on their products, including Xbox consoles, MacBooks, and iPads. This marks a notable shift in pricing strategy from these major technology companies.
Steam Machine sticker shock, even more Ubisoft layoffs, and another Xbox price hike - Patch Notes #58
This week's gaming news highlights include the high pricing of the Steam Machine starting at $1,049, Ubisoft laying off 93 employees and closing studios, and Microsoft increasing Xbox console prices again. Grand Theft Auto 6 will retail for $79.99, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has surpassed 6 million sales. Tencent is reportedly considering exiting some Japanese studios.
Xbox consoles suffer 33% price hike and there's more increases to come
Microsoft is implementing a worldwide price increase for Xbox Series X and S consoles starting August 1, 2026, citing ongoing component cost crises. The 512GB models will increase by $100 and 1TB models by $150. Microsoft also confirmed the discontinuation of the 2TB Xbox Series X model and warned of further price hikes in the future due to rising memory prices.
South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games are allowing staff to openly seek new jobs ahead of possible Xbox layoffs, according to report
Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, has reportedly given some staff permission to seek new employment ahead of potential layoffs at Xbox Game Studios in July. While no layoffs have occurred yet, developers have begun posting on LinkedIn about their availability for new roles. This situation is occurring amidst reports that Compulsion Games' future is uncertain, with possibilities including closure or spinning off into independence.
Grand Theft Auto 6 demand may be so high it will "likely outstrip supply" this holiday season, a video game retailer warns
A video game retailer warns that demand for Grand Theft Auto 6, launching November 19, will likely outstrip supply for consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S this holiday season. Ongoing hardware component shortages, exacerbated by the generative AI boom, are limiting the availability of units needed to meet the anticipated surge in interest.
Evening Reading - June 25, 2026
This article is a collection of various news items from June 25, 2026, including layoffs at Bungie, OpenAI's GPT-5.6 access policy, price increases for Xbox consoles and Apple products, and details about EVO 2026. It also touches on the perceived decline of Destiny 2 and mentions the CEO of Shacknews, Asif Khan.
