U.S. video game spending rose 1% y/y in May, says Circana

Circana analyst Mat Piscatella said that May 2025 projected U.S. total spending on video game hardware, content and accessories grew 1% when compared to a year ago, to $4.1B. Year-to-date spending finished the month 6% behind 2024’s pace, at $21.8B. May video game content spending increased 2% when compared to a year ago, to $3.7B. The growth was led by a 29% gain in non-mobile subscription spending when compared to May 2024. The best-selling title charts now include digital PC revenues from Battle.net (MSFT), Bethesda.net, EA App (EA), Epic Games Store, Rockstar Store (TTWO), Steam, Ubisoft Store (UBSFY) and Microsoft Store for participating panel publishers. May 2025 hardware spending fell 13% compared to a year ago, to $172M. Nintendo Switch (NTDOY) spending fell 44% year-on-year, with PlayStation 5 (SONY) sales growing 3%. Xbox Series spending declined by 30% compared to May 2024. PlayStation 5 was once again the best-selling hardware platform in both units and dollars, while the PS5 Dual Sense Wireless Controller in Midnight Black led all accessories in both measures. Investors in Epic Games include Tencent (TCEHY), KKR (KKR), Disney (DIS), and Sony.