PS5, Xbox, and Switch console sales decline in March, while Assassin's Creed Shadows leads game revenue

Despite popular multi-platform titles debuting, March was disappointing for the video game industry. Mat Piscatella‬ of Circana revealed significant declines in US console sales compared to March 2024. Fewer games were also purchased, even with strong Assassin's Creed Shadows sales. Still, as furious Switch 2 pre-orders are ongoing, there is reason for optimism.

In a 2024 report, Circana noted that revenue from PS5, Xbox, and Switch consoles fell noticeably. However, the analysts also expected the industry to recover in 2025. So far, that reversal hasn't started. Game and console sales are down again compared to this point last year. Total revenue from video game content, hardware, and accessories has dropped by 6% from March 2024.

The most notable changes from a year ago are with console purchases. Sony's PS5 continues to lead the competition but decreased by 26%. Nintendo Switch handheld sales fell a noticeable 37%. Finally, Xbox gaming systems saw a smaller 9% decline, but Microsoft has slowed shipments of the Series X to some regions. Spending on accessories also diminished, down 11% from the previous March.

The cross-platform March video game numbers aren't quite as bleak. Led by impressive Assassin's Creed Shadows sales, the spending was only 6% less than March 2024. Monster Hunter: Wilds slid to third place behind MLB: The Show 25, which didn't launch on Xbox Game Pass this season. Not surprisingly, as the use of physical media dwindles, digital premium video game sales experienced a 12% boom.

While the Switch 2 may reignite hardware sales, the forecast has become more complicated. With high tariffs on Chinese imports, US gamers are expressing concern over console supplies and rising prices. Nintendo decided not to raise the Switch 2 price, but accessories were not as lucky. Meanwhile, Sony spared the US, but hiked the MSRP of the PS5 in several regions.