Shocking console sales figures for March 2026

In March 2026, gaming hardware sales in the US rose by 69 percent compared with the same month last year. Total revenue reached $500 million. The Switch 2 was the best-selling console, both in units sold and revenue generated, with PlayStation 5 in second place.

Sales figures and performance

The Switch 2’s presence on the market appears to have had a strong impact on overall gaming hardware sales. After ten months on the market, the Switch 2 is selling 12 percent better than the original Switch, and after nine months it is even ahead by 45 percent. So far, total spending on gaming hardware in 2026 has reached $1.074 billion, representing a 37 percent increase compared with the $777 million total over the same period last year.

PlayStation 5 sales have also grown, up 3 percent compared with March 2025, although no specific data is available for Xbox console sales during this period. The trend clearly points to strong demand for gaming hardware, driven by popular titles and possible pricing strategies from manufacturers.

Timeline

April 9, 2026: Famitsu reports that the Switch 2 sold 59,543 units in the period from March 30 to April 5.
April 18, 2026: Players report an unexpected clearance sale of Switch 2 games at Costco, with prices as low as $30 for games that normally cost $70.
April 22, 2026: It emerges that March 2026 was a record month for console sales in the US.

Pricing strategy and discounts

At Costco, unexpected discounts on Switch 2 games have been spotted in recent weeks, with popular titles such as Kirby Air Riders and Pokémon Legends: Z-A offered at substantially reduced prices. This has drawn a lot of attention and driven a spike in sales at the retailer, with some customers reporting that they saw the discount in the app, but it was not always applied correctly at checkout.

These discounts could further boost demand for Switch 2 games, especially given the enthusiastic response to the availability of current titles. However, sales do not appear to be limited to Costco, as other retailers may follow with similar offers.

Market position and outlook

The strong sales figures for the Switch 2 confirm Nintendo’s growth strategy and its ability to reach a broad range of gamers. With demand for gaming hardware remaining high, the Switch 2 is likely to continue the sales growth trend. That sentiment is reinforced by the positive reception of several titles released on the console and the steady growth of PS5 sales.

The coming quarter will be crucial, especially with upcoming releases putting pressure on the competition and giving consumers another reason to invest in the next generation of gaming.