U.S. April Xbox console sales rose before Microsoft raised prices as PS5 and Switch declined again

Circana's April U.S. sales data on gaming hardware, accessories, and games is now available. The biggest surprise is that Xbox console sales increased compared to 12 months prior, reversing a trend. The reporting period ended on May 3rd and includes the first few days after Microsoft announced price hikes. Other results are less shocking, with PS5 and Switch hardware sales falling again. Meanwhile, Xbox games dominated the cross-platform sales charts.

It may seem to defy logic that more consumers would purchase Xbox consoles. However, the bulk of the reporting period ended before May 1st. On that date, Microsoft revealed that Xbox Series X and Series S models would cost $80-130 more. Mat Piscatella notes a spike in console sales in the final week. This activity might indicate that buyers rushed to claim the remaining stock before retailers adjusted prices. The analyst suggested that the May report would better reflect the impact of the new pricing.

U.S. spending in April fell by 3% across the gaming industry. Overall, 2025 revenue is 8% less than the 2024 total at the same point. PS5 sales shrunk by 5%, which is far less than the March 2025 26% decline. It's possible that gamers feared a PlayStation price jump in response to tariffs. Nintendo Switch consoles and accessories saw another dramatic 37% decrease. Of course, many gamers committed funds to Switch 2 pre-orders ahead of its June 5th release date.

Microsoft's cross-platform publishing efforts also continue to pay dividends. Xbox games like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Forza Horizon 5, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle top charts that include the PS5. Of note, Oblivion Remastered sold more copies in April than the original notched in its initial 15 months.