US Video Game Consumer Spending Might Rise to $62.8B in 2026

U.S. video game consumer spending is projected to climb to $62.8 billion USD in 2026, after the industry nearly matched its all-time spending high by recording $60.7B in 2025. According to Circana’s market forecast from Feb 11, 2026, total U.S. spending on video game hardware, software, and accessories is expected to increase 3% year-over-year from 2025.

The anticipated 2026 figure would surpass the previous record of $61.7B set in 2021, indicating continued momentum for the U.S. gaming industry. In 2025, the U.S. consumer spending on video game content increased 1.4% YoY, influencing the anticipated growth for 2026.

The report highlighted that the growth is expected to be fueled by Nintendo Switch 2's performance, subscription-based content, and the anticipation of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI). Entertainment Software Association President and CEO, Stanley Pierre-Louis, highlighted that the growth in consumer spending “reflects how deeply video games are woven into the fabric of American culture.”

US Video Game Consumer Spending Patterns and Growth Drivers 

Circana’s annual Games Market Dynamics report shows a cumulative growth in total U.S. consumer spending on video game content, hardware, and accessories in 2025. Nintendo Switch 2 dominated the hardware market and became the fastest-selling console in the U.S.

Circana expects Switch 2 to continue dominating the U.S. console market in 2026 as well. Another significant driver of consumer spending is Rockstar’s GTA VI. The long-anticipated title has the “highest purchase intent ever recorded,” according to Circana’s tracking history.

In 2025, subscription gaming services contributed to a 20% growth in content spending within that segment. The growth is expected to continue as “consumers seek value and access to expansive game libraries.”

Another expected impact from the analysis is the launch of Valve’s Steam Machine. The upcoming gaming tech can shake the hardware market in terms of competitive prices.

However, Circana also pointed to rising costs of components such as memory and chips, influenced in part by global demand for AI-focused technology. The report predicts that if hardware becomes cost-prohibitive, the market could shift towards the use of existing devices and cloud gaming models.

According to Circana’s video games industry advisor Mat Piscatella, the U.S. video game market can observe great opportunities, along with some operational risk in 2026. “A stellar slate of software and strong subscription engagement suggests a particularly exciting year,” he stated, as a part of his outlook for the U.S. gaming sector.