Nintendo Switch 2 led U.S. video game hardware sales in both units and dollar sales in August 2026, according to Circana figures reported by analyst Mat Piscatella. Across all systems, 559,000 units were sold—15% fewer than in August 2025 and the lowest August total since 2013.
Which system sold the most in the U.S. in August 2026?
Switch 2 ranked first in both unit sales and dollar sales in the United States for the August reporting period. PlayStation 5 ranked second in both measures. The same order held for year-to-date sales through August: Switch 2 led, followed by PS5. These are U.S. rankings, not worldwide sales results. GamingBolt’s report of Piscatella’s figures attributes the rankings to Circana.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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How much did U.S. hardware sales decline?
Unit sales
U.S. video game hardware sales totaled 559,000 units in August 2026, down 15% year over year. That was the lowest total for an August since August 2013, when reported sales were 423,000 units. The comparison is limited to August; it does not mean August 2026 was the lowest-selling month across all years or months. GamingBolt reports the Circana figures, which are also repeated by My Nintendo News.
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Spending and average price
Consumers spent $302 million on U.S. hardware in August, down 3% from a year earlier. Year-to-date spending through August reached $2.5 billion, down 11%. The average price paid for a new system was $541, an August record above the previous August high of $476 in 2025. That is an average across new systems sold, not the price of any one console. These figures are attributed to Circana in GamingBolt’s coverage.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
How did the major platforms compare?
Unit sales and dollar sales tell different parts of the story. The reported year-over-year comparisons for August were:
| Platform or category | Unit sales | Hardware dollar sales |
|---|---|---|
| All U.S. hardware | 559,000; down 15% | $302 million; down 3% |
| PlayStation 5 | Down 11% | Up 17% |
| Nintendo hardware | Down 15% | Switch 2 spending down 13% |
| Xbox Series X|S | Down 31% | Down 13% |
Platform-specific comparisons are figures attributed to Circana in GamingBolt’s report. “Nintendo hardware” in the unit comparison refers to Nintendo hardware overall; it should not be read as a Switch 2-only unit-sales change. Nor does the 13% decline in Switch 2 dollar sales establish that the system lost its lead: it still ranked first in dollar sales for the month.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
What explains the August decline?
The reported figures establish that hardware unit sales fell and spending declined less sharply, but they do not establish a single cause. Circana’s public video-games reporting page describes its market reporting as point-of-sale data; the available public market context cited here covers July, not the August results. Comments about prices, components or comparisons with the Switch 2 launch in July context cannot, on their own, explain the August change.
The August-specific rankings and totals are reported through news coverage attributing them to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella; the full August dataset is not provided in the cited coverage for independent recalculation. VGChartz describes the August measurement window as four weeks, from August 2 through August 29, 2026. VGChartz’s report provides that date range.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
