U.S. Video Game Sales See Quiet Start to 2026, Led by Call of Duty and PlayStation 5
The U.S. Video game market experienced a typically slower January, following the peak of holiday season spending. Despite the overall calm, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 maintained its position as the best-selling game of the month, while the PlayStation 5 continued to dominate hardware sales.
According to analysis by Matt Piscatella, Executive Director and Video Game Analyst at Circana, the PlayStation 5 led hardware sales in both units and revenue. The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 secured the second position in both categories. This marks a significant moment for the Switch 2, as it was not available for purchase during the same period last year.
Overall hardware spending increased by 16% compared to January 2025, driven by the demand for the Nintendo Switch 2. This growth offset a 17% decline in spending on the PlayStation 5, a 27% decrease for the Xbox Series consoles, and a remarkable 79% drop for the original Nintendo Switch. Accessory spending, still, experienced a 5% decrease, totaling $185 million, according to Circana’s data.
In the digital content realm, spending rose by 3% to $4.3 billion, fueled by a 23% increase in subscriptions. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 remained the best-selling game for the month, followed by NBA 2K26 in second place. Madden NFL 26 climbed from fourth place in December to third in January, while Battlefield 6 fell from third to fifth.
New Releases and Rising Titles
January’s sales charts also saw the debut of Code Vein II at number eleven. Final Fantasy VII: Remake experienced a significant surge, jumping from 225th to ninth place, likely due to its release on the Xbox Series consoles and the Nintendo Switch 2. Fallout 4 also saw a resurgence, climbing from 68th to 20th, potentially boosted by the second season of the Fallout television series and discounted pricing on Steam.
total video game spending reached $4.7 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year, marking a modest start to 2026. The industry continues to demonstrate resilience, even during traditionally slower periods.
Top 20 Best-Selling Games in the U.S. – January 2026
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- NBA 2K26
- Madden NFL 26
- Minecraft*
- Battlefield 6
- EA Sports FC 26
- Grand Theft Auto V
- Red Dead Redemption II
- Final Fantasy VII: Remake
- Forza Horizon 5
- Code Vein II (NEW)
- Ghost of Yotei
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- EA Sports College Football 26
- Helldivers II
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A*
- Split Fiction
- Elden Ring
- Flight Simulator 2024
- Fallout 4
The video game industry is constantly evolving, and the performance of titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and the continued popularity of franchises like NBA 2K and Madden NFL demonstrate the enduring appeal of established brands. The success of the PlayStation 5 and the anticipated impact of the Nintendo Switch 2 will be key factors to watch as the year progresses. Consumers can expect continued innovation and competition within the gaming landscape, with digital subscriptions playing an increasingly important role in overall revenue.
Looking ahead, industry analysts will be closely monitoring sales trends in February and March, particularly with any potential new game releases or major updates to existing titles. The next major industry event, expected in June, will likely provide further insights into the direction of the market and upcoming product announcements. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of the video game industry.