US Gaming Hardware Market Most 'Precarious' Since 1980s

Circana analyst Mat Piscatella said the US gaming hardware market is in its most precarious position since the early 1980s. Xbox console sales fell 33% in 2026 through August, while PlayStation sales dropped 25% year-over-year.

• Xbox hardware unit sales fell 33% in 2026 through August
• PlayStation sales were down 25% over the same period
• Circana analyst calls the situation the most precarious since the early 80s