Nintendo Switch 2 drives US console surge as PS5 and Xbox post May dips
Nintendo Switch 2 becomes the second-fastest-selling console in US history with 5.9 million units in 12 months, helping hardware spending rise, while PlayStation 5 posts its worst May in decades (down 58% YoY) and Xbox Series X/S records its lowest May sales on record. Circana’s May 2026 data also show rising average hardware prices ($502), with PS5 at $672 and Xbox at $524. Prices are climbing due to AI-driven component shortages, and Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are signaling further price increases this year into 2027. The piece notes GTA 6 demand and potential stock shortages, and references Valve’s Steam Machine as a cautionary price example.
