According to Circana’s latest report, the U.S. gaming market saw one of its strongest months in recent years, growing 11% year-over-year to reach $4.657 billion in August 2025. The month’s performance marked the most successful August since at least 2019, fueled by robust console sales, high consumer engagement, and the early launch of NBA 2K26.
Top Games in the USA for August
August Sales Climb to Five-Year High
Consumer spending across the gaming industry surged throughout August. Total spending on game content reached $4.177 billion, showing an 11% increase compared to the same period last year. Mobile gaming continued to play an important role, expanding by 6% year-over-year. However, console software sales saw the most significant spike, climbing 21% thanks to NBA 2K26, which launched in August this year rather than its traditional September window.
Subscription-based services also continued their steady rise, with non-mobile subscriptions up 25% year-over-year. This growth highlights the increasing role of digital access models such as Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and other platform-based offerings.
Top Games in the USA for August
Nintendo Switch 2 Pushes Hardware Growth
Hardware spending in August reached $312 million, representing a 32% increase from last year. Much of that success can be credited to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, which offset declines in PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the original Switch sales—all of which saw double-digit drops during the same period.
The Switch 2 has been a standout performer since its debut. Over its first three months on the market, it sold 2.4 million units in the U.S., which is 5% higher than the PlayStation 4’s launch record of 2.2 million units. Compared to the original Switch, the new console is currently performing 77% better in its early sales period, making it one of Nintendo’s strongest hardware launches to date.
Top Games in the USA for August
Accessories See Mixed Results
While game and hardware sales flourished, accessory spending fell slightly by 6% year-over-year, totaling $169 million in August. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller topped accessory charts as the best-selling peripheral of the month.
One area that continued to grow within accessories was racing wheels. Spending on these peripherals rose 7% in August and 3% over the past year, reaching a total of $78 million. The Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel maintained its position as the market leader in this category.
Year-to-Date Spending Remains Strong
From January through August 2025, the U.S. gaming market recorded a total of $37.3 billion in consumer spending, up 1% compared to the same period last year. Hardware accounted for $2.9 billion of that total, supported by a 6.5% increase in unit sales and a 12.3% rise in average console prices. The average console now sells for about $453. Subscription services also continued to expand, with total spending reaching $3.6 billion—representing 19% year-over-year growth.
Top Games in the USA for August
New Releases Dominate August Charts
August was a packed release window for the U.S. market. Four of the five top-selling titles were new releases: NBA 2K26, Madden NFL 26, Mafia: The Old Country, and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Other notable debuts included Gears of War: Reloaded, EA Sports Kickoff Bundle, and Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar.
So far in 2025, Monster Hunter: Wilds, EA Sports College Football 26, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: Remastered remain the top three games of the year. Both NBA 2K26 and Madden NFL 26 entered the annual rankings immediately upon release, landing at fifth and tenth place respectively. Analysts expect both titles to climb higher as the year progresses.
Top Games in the USA for August
Mobile Games Maintain Stability
Sensor Tower data showed that MONOPOLY GO! continued to dominate the U.S. mobile charts in August, followed by Royal Match, Last War: Survival, Candy Crush Saga, and Clash Royale. Meanwhile, Gardenscapes and Homescapes dropped out of the top ten, marking a notable shift in mobile gaming preferences toward competitive and multiplayer-focused titles.
Platform Performance Mirrors Console Trends
Sales rankings across major platforms reflected similar trends. On both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, new releases occupied half of the top chart positions, signaling strong engagement with recently launched titles.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s performance also extended to software, where Madden NFL 26 ranked second only to Donkey Kong Bananza. Farming sim Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar enjoyed a solid debut as well. On PC, Steam’s top sellers for August closely mirrored the console charts, suggesting consistent cross-platform interest among players.
Source: Mat Piscatella
Here’s a complete list of all the games mentioned:
- NBA 2K26
- Madden NFL 26
- Mafia: The Old Country
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
- Gears of War: Reloaded
- EA Sports Kickoff Bundle
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
- Monster Hunter: Wilds
- EA Sports College Football 26
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: Remastered
- MONOPOLY GO!
- Royal Match
- Last War: Survival
- Candy Crush Saga
- Clash Royale
- Gardenscapes
- Homescapes
- Donkey Kong Bananza
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the total value of the U.S. gaming market in August 2025? The total market value reached $4.657 billion, an 11% increase compared to August 2024.
Which game performed best in August 2025? NBA 2K26 was the best-selling title of the month, leading both console and digital charts following its early release.
How did hardware sales perform in August 2025? Hardware spending grew by 32% year-over-year, primarily driven by the successful launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Which accessories were most popular in August 2025? The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller was the top-selling accessory, while the Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel led the racing wheel category.
How did mobile gaming perform? Mobile gaming revenue grew 6% year-over-year, with MONOPOLY GO! and Royal Match continuing to lead the charts.
Is the overall 2025 gaming market growing? Yes. Year-to-date figures show a 1% increase in total spending, reaching $37.3 billion across hardware, software, and subscriptions.
