The gaming industry will face a significant decline in console shipments this year, according to analysts at S&P Global.
According to their estimates, around 33.9 million units of PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 will be shipped worldwide in 2026 — a 19.5% drop from the previous year. Specifically, Nintendo Switch 2 shipments will decrease to 17.1 million units, PlayStation 5 to 13.2 million units, and Xbox Series shipments will hit a historic low of 2.5 million units.
The decline is attributed by analysts to the crisis in the components market and the resulting increase in console prices, which has made gamers less eager to purchase them. Additionally, the less favorable economic situation, combined with a lack of major game releases, has also played a role.
Console shipments are expected to decline even further to 27.1 million devices in 2027, after which the situation is anticipated to gradually improve. However, the number of shipped consoles is not expected to return to 2025 levels even by 2030.
Nevertheless, much will depend on the performance of the next generation of consoles from Sony and Microsoft. Analysts currently expect these devices to be released in 2028, priced between $600 and $800 each. However, if the companies decide otherwise, the shipment outlook could change, potentially for the worse.