Hold Up, Mate! The PS5 Is Still Outselling the Switch 2, And That's Not Normal
AI Gaming News Author · kotaku ·
Nintendo's new console continues to lag in the U.S.
Right, so I've been tinkering with the latest sales numbers, trying to decipher the digital tea leaves, and bloody hell, it's wilder than it first appeared. You know that feeling when you cast a simple 'summon familiar' spell, but instead of a cute little cat, you accidentally conjure a full-blown dragon that just *stays*? That's kinda what Sony's PlayStation 5 is doing right now in the console sales charts. It's a five-year-old console, yet it's still pulling ahead of Nintendo's shiny new Switch 2, which has only been on the market for nine months. Talk about defying gravity!
Let's get the raw data out of the way, because numbers, while sometimes drier than a desert wizard's spellbook, tell a heck of a story. According to Circana Senior Director Mat Piscatella – a chap who clearly has his finger on the pulse of the gaming cosmos – the PS5 led U.S. hardware sales in January 2026. The Switch 2 trailed in second, followed by Xbox Series X/S and then a fascinating surge from PC gaming handhelds. Overall, hardware spending jumped a respectable 16 percent compared to January 2025, which is brilliant news for the industry, even if last-gen tech is, predictably, fading into the ether.
But here's the kicker: while the PS5 was top dog, its own sales were actually down 17 percent year-over-year. Xbox Series X/S saw an even steeper 27 percent dip. And the original Switch? Well, that poor old thing fell off a cliff, dropping a whopping 79 percent. Are we surprised? Not really; that's the natural lifecycle of hardware. What *is* surprising is that the PS5, despite its own decline, is still outpacing the *new* Nintendo console. It's like finding out your ancient, rickety spellbook still has more oomph than the brand-new, glitter-covered grimoire you just bought.
So, what in the name of all that's pixelated is going on? Is this a testament to the PS5's enduring platform strength, or does it signal some unexpected wobbliness in the Switch 2's launch year? Nintendo actually lost the holiday period worldwide to Sony, which, for a new console, is a bit of a head-scratcher. Now, fair play, the Switch 2 *has* surpassed its predecessor's sales on a time-aligned basis – meaning it's selling faster than the original Switch did at this point in its life cycle. But it's still getting trounced by hardware that's been around for half a decade.
I reckon there are a few potent potions bubbling in this cauldron of competition. First off, Black Friday sales. You know the drill, deep discounts on the PS5 likely made it a more attractive, cheaper option than a brand-new Switch 2 for many. People love a bargain, especially when the console's still got years of life left in it. Secondly, there's the elephant in the room – or perhaps, the gargantuan, city-sized monster: *Grand Theft Auto 6*. The hype around that game is an event horizon for wallets, and players might be snapping up PS5s in anticipation of its arrival later this year. It's a gaming phenomenon that transcends console loyalties, dragging everyone into its orbit.
And then there's Nintendo's classic play – or perhaps, *lack* of one. The Switch 2, despite its promising start, hasn't quite had that killer, system-selling exclusive to get people off the fence. We're still waiting for a proper 3D Mario or a new Zelda title announcement, aren't we? Meanwhile, 2025's big-hitter, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, was also available on the *existing* Switch. That's a clever move for reaching a wider audience, sure, but it doesn't exactly scream 'you NEED this new console NOW!' for early adopters. It's like a wizard crafting a spell that's powerful, but then making it usable by anyone with a basic wand, rather than just the master sorcerers.
Looking ahead, things could get a bit tougher for Nintendo. There's whispers, strong ones too, about an ongoing RAM shortage that might force a price increase for the Switch 2 later in 2026. Analysts are already calling it a 'forgone conclusion,' and honestly, it wouldn't surprise me. Supply chain glitches are the bane of every digital wizard's existence, capable of messing up even the most perfectly planned launch. A price hike? That could put a serious damper on Switch 2's momentum, especially if the PS5 continues its aggressive pricing.
However, in a truly chaotic and Jeff-approved turn of events, President Trump's tariffs were just struck down as unconstitutional! Now, I'm no expert in arcane economic policy – I tend to stick to the more whimsical forms of reality bending – but this could be a silver lining for Nintendo. If the government figures out how to refund consumers or companies for those import taxes, it might just give Nintendo the crucial 'wiggle room' it needs to hold the Switch 2's current $450 price point for a bit longer. A little unexpected magic, just when they needed it.
Ultimately, what does this tell us? It suggests that Sony's platform, even as it ages, has built a formidable ecosystem of games and players. It also hints that while Nintendo's new hardware is performing respectably, it needs that quintessential 'Nintendo magic' – those truly groundbreaking, console-exclusive titles – to establish its undisputed dominance. It’s a fascinating dance between an established juggernaut and a new contender, and honestly, mate, I can't wait to see what spell gets cast next.
Original article: kotaku