Video Games See Hardware Slowdown, Franchise Wins, and Brand Extensions in November

U.S. video game spending dipped in November as hardware sales reached multi-decade lows, according to Circana. Even so, the month highlighted the industry’s continued reliance on established franchises and new extensions across games, platforms, and consumer products.

U.S. video game spending declined 4% year over year in November, totaling $5.9 billion, according to new data from Circana. Drops in hardware, accessories, and console content drove the slowdown, despite modest growth in subscriptions and mobile spending. Hardware sales were the weakest November showing since 2005, underscoring continued pressure on the console market.

Hardware spending fell 27% to $695 million, with 1.6 million units sold, the lowest November unit total since 1995. The average price of a console reached a record $439 for the month. The PlayStation 5 led hardware sales in both units and dollars, marking the first time it has achieved this since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, which ranked second. Accessories spending also declined by 13%, driven largely by weaker sales of gamepads.

Content spending edged up 1% to $4.8 billion, as subscription growth and mobile gains offset declines in console and PC software. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 topped the monthly sales chart, extending the franchise’s streak to 18 consecutive years as the best-selling title of its launch month, even as full-game dollar sales fell versus last year. Promotional pricing boosted rankings for several sports and racing titles, while physical software spending dropped 14% to its lowest level in November on record.

On mobile, consumer spending grew slightly year over year, led by titles such as Monopoly Go!, Royal Match, and Candy Crush Saga. Circana noted that while growth was modest, it came against a particularly strong November in 2024. Overall, the data suggests a market increasingly supported by live services, subscriptions, and mobile engagement, as traditional hardware sales continue to decline.

This week’s Nintendo Download features fast-paced rogue-like action and nostalgic favorites, with new releases arriving on Nintendo Switch 2, alongside classic games expanding the Nintendo Switch Online library. From acrobatic combat to cooperative chaos, the latest update spans multiple genres and eras.

Leading the lineup is The Rogue Prince of Persia, available on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Evil Empire, the game reimagines the classic franchise with fluid parkour, responsive combat, and progression based on player choices, all driven by a run-based approach. Also new on Switch 2 is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, a cooperative game featuring randomized upgrades, rotating room layouts, and playable heroes with distinct abilities as players fight to rescue Splinter.

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library continues to grow with the addition of Rayman 2: The Great Escape and Tonic Trouble, both originally released on Nintendo 64. The update is rounded out by new content and events, including a limited-time Kirby Air Riders online competition, a free update for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and fresh additions to the Nintendo Music app featuring tracks from Super Mario Land.

Nintendo earned major recognition at The Game Awards, with Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World both receiving top honors for titles Nintendo earned major recognition at The Game Awards, with Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World both receiving top honors for titles exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Donkey Kong Bananza was named Best Family Game, while Mario Kart World won Best Sports/Racing Game.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D action-adventure platformer that heavily emphasizes environmental destruction and exploration, allowing players to reshape the terrain as they progress. The game also introduces Bananza Transformations through Donkey Kong’s partnership with Pauline, and continues to expand through new challenges and limited-time events included in the DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC.

Mario Kart World reimagines the long-running racing franchise with interconnected courses, races featuring up to 24 drivers, and new modes like Knockout Tour and Free Roam, which allow players to explore off-track environments and race continuously across multiple courses.

Source: NintendoNintendo’s development and publishing partners were also recognized during the show, with Hades II winning Best Action Game, Hollow Knight: Silksong taking Best Action-Adventure Game, and Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles earning Best Sim/Strategy Game. The ceremony also featured new announcements for upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles from third-party partners, several of which are slated to launch next year.

Brawl Stars has partnered with footwear brand Floafers on a limited-time capsule collection inspired by the game’s Starr Drop. The collaboration brings characters and in-game aesthetics into a slide-style shoe designed to mirror the experience of unlocking rewards.The Starr Drop slides feature a molded footbed and interchangeable center emblems, allowing wearers to swap between three designs tied to different Brawlers. Designed for everyday wear, the slides are made with soft soles, breathable materials, and slip-on construction. The Brawl Stars Floafers slides are available for $79.99 in men’s, women’s, and kids’ sizes.