The Complete Guide to NPD Sales (2025 Circana Update)

Latest US Gaming Market Rankings and Data Library

To master the current state of npd sales (now Circana), you must first look at the hard numbers that define the 2024-2025 cycle. The industry has shifted from a supply-constrained era to one driven by high-engagement software and a stabilizing hardware base. Below is the essential data library for industry professionals and enthusiasts tracking the US market.

• Software Leaderboard: Titles like Call of Duty and Elden Ring continue to dominate the software revenue charts, representing over 45% of total software dollar sales in Q1.
• Hardware Stability: PlayStation 5 remains the top-selling hardware platform in both unit and dollar sales, while the Nintendo Switch shows remarkable late-lifecycle resilience.
• Accessory Growth: Controller and headset revenue has seen a year-over-year growth of 8%, fueled by specialized 'pro' peripherals.
• Digital Dominance: Over 70% of software sales for participating publishers are now attributed to full-game digital downloads.
• Subscription Revenue: While growth has leveled off, subscription services remain a multi-billion dollar pillar of the gaming ecosystem.

You are standing in the middle of a midnight launch, but the crowd isn't at the store—they are refreshing their digital storefronts at 12:01 AM. This shift is the heart of the modern npd sales story. It’s no longer just about who sells the most plastic discs; it’s about who captures the most 'player time' and digital wallet share in a market that is increasingly fragmented yet more lucrative than ever.

Understanding the NPD to Circana Transition

### Latest Signals (24h)

• Circana Methodology Update: Mat Piscatella confirmed new participating publishers for digital tracking, increasing the accuracy of PC distribution platform metrics. [Source: Circana Official, 2024]
• Hardware Pivot: Retail tracking data suggests a 4% spike in handheld gaming growth (Steam Deck/ROG Ally) not previously isolated in standard console charts. [Source: GamesIndustry.biz]
• Consumer Spending Alert: Monthly gaming spending on add-on content (DLC/MTX) now exceeds hardware dollar sales by a ratio of 3:1. [Source: AIAS Reports]

The transition from The NPD Group to Circana wasn't just a rebrand; it was a necessary evolution in retail tracking. As the industry moved toward a multi-platform, live-service model, the old ways of counting boxes at retail became insufficient. Today, npd sales data integrates Point of Sale (POS) analytics from both physical retailers and digital storefronts like the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Steam.

When we look at the 'why' behind these shifts, we see a consumer base that is increasingly price-conscious but willing to spend on 'prestige' titles. The 'shadow pain' many investors feel—the fear of missing the next big platform shift—is addressed by these metrics. By tracking the year-over-year growth and unit sales volume, we can see exactly where the next-gen adoption rate is accelerating and where legacy console decline is creating an opening for new hardware.

Software Revenue Charts: What’s Actually Selling?

Software revenue charts are the 'pulse' of the gaming world. If you want to know which genres are thriving, you look at the top 20 software chart. Currently, we are seeing a massive surge in 'evergreen' titles—games that stay in the top 10 for months or even years. This indicates a shift in consumer demand spikes; instead of buying five new games a year, players are investing deeply in one or two live-service ecosystems.

• Action RPGs: Dominating the charts due to high-quality expansions and high replayability.
• Sports Titles: Consistently the highest unit sales volume during the Q3 and Q4 windows.
• Shooter Category: While volatile, the 'Call of Duty' effect remains the single largest driver of annual software revenue.
• Indie Breakouts: Unexpected hits like Helldivers 2 prove that 'AA' titles can outpace 'AAA' blockbusters in month-over-month growth.
• PC Growth: With more PlayStation exclusives moving to PC, Steam sales tracking is becoming a critical component of the total npd sales picture.

This trend creates a psychological 'comfort zone' for gamers. You aren't just buying a game; you're buying into a community. This is why exclusive title impact is so high—it’s not just about the game itself, but the prestige and social currency of being part of that platform's ecosystem. When we analyze these numbers, we're really analyzing human connection through digital media.

Hardware Performance: The Battle for the Living Room

Hardware dollar sales are the ultimate indicator of platform health. While software provides the recurring revenue, hardware represents the 'installed base'—the foundation of the entire market. In 2025, the narrative is focused on the PlayStation 5's mid-cycle momentum versus the anticipation of a Nintendo Switch successor. Tracking these cycles requires looking at more than just unit sales; we must look at the average selling price and bundle sales performance.

• PlayStation 5: Maintaining the lead due to consistent supply and a strong lineup of first-party exclusives.
• Xbox Series X/S: Focusing on 'ecosystem' value via Game Pass, though hardware unit sales have seen a slight month-over-month decline.
• Nintendo Switch: Despite being 'legacy' hardware, its unit sales remain high due to a massive library and younger demographic adoption.
• VR & Handhelds: A growing niche that is starting to impact accessories and peripherals revenue.
• Inventory Levels: Supply chain issues are largely resolved, meaning current npd sales figures are a pure reflection of consumer demand rather than manufacturing constraints.

If you're wondering whether to invest in a new console or wait, the data suggests that the 'next-gen adoption rate' has hit its peak. We are now in the 'expansion phase' where developers are fully utilizing the power of these machines, leading to better software and higher consumer satisfaction. The mechanism here is simple: more hardware in homes leads to more software sales, which in turn justifies more hardware innovation.

Digital vs. Physical: The Tracking Mechanism Revealed

One of the most frequent questions we get is how digital downloads are actually tracked. Unlike physical discs, which are counted at the cash register, digital sales require direct data sharing from participating publishers. Circana’s retail tracking now includes most major players, though some (like Nintendo for digital) remain notable exceptions in certain charts. This 'digital vs physical' split is crucial for understanding the true market share.

• The 70/30 Split: Digital sales now account for approximately 70-80% of total software revenue for AAA titles.
• physical media Market: Now largely driven by collectors, limited editions, and the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.
• Subscription Impact: Services like Game Pass and PS Plus don't count as 'unit sales' but are reflected in total consumer spending habits.
• Mobile Integration: While NPD traditionally focused on PC/Console, the lines are blurring as publishers release cross-platform titles.
• PC Distribution: Epic Games Store and Steam data are increasingly integrated into the 'Best Selling Titles' rankings.

This shift changes the 'why' of consumer behavior. The convenience of a digital download often outweighs the resale value of a physical disc, especially for the 25–34 demographic who prioritize ease of access. As we look at the historical sales database, the move toward digital is the most significant structural change in the history of the npd sales tracking methodology.

Industry Meaning: Why These Numbers Matter for Your Future

What does all this data mean for you? If you're an enthusiast, it validates your choice of platform. If you're a professional, it guides your investment and marketing strategies. The 'logic' of the market is that it follows the 'winner.' When a console like the PS5 dominates the hardware dollar sales, it attracts more developers, which leads to better software, creating a self-reinforcing loop.

### A low-drama next step

• Check the 'Attach Rate': Look at how many games the average console owner buys; this tells you the true health of the platform.
• Watch the 'Accessories' Chart: Spikes here often precede new hardware announcements.
• Don't ignore PC: The growth in PC distribution is the fastest-rising segment of the US games industry sales.
• Follow the Analysts: Reliable insights from experts like Mat Piscatella provide the 'context' that raw numbers lack.

Ultimately, the npd sales reports are a mirror of our cultural priorities. We spend money on what we value. Whether it's the latest Call of Duty or a new 'pro' controller, every dollar is a vote for the future of the industry. Keeping a grounded perspective on these numbers helps you stay ahead of the curve without falling for the 'hype' or 'doom-posting' often found in unvetted online communities.

FAQ

1. What exactly do npd sales track in the gaming industry?

NPD sales, now managed by Circana, track the United States video game industry's retail performance. This includes physical hardware, software from participating publishers, and accessories. The data is collected through point-of-sale (POS) systems at major retailers and direct data feeds from digital storefronts. It is considered the gold standard for US market research because it relies on actual transaction data rather than estimates.

2. Why did the NPD Group change its name to Circana?

The NPD Group merged with Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) in 2023 to form Circana. This rebrand was intended to create a single, unified global data advisor. For the gaming industry, this means the same 'NPD sales' reports are now officially known as Circana Video Game Industry reports. The methodology remains consistent, but the scope of data integration has expanded.

3. How does NPD (Circana) track digital game sales?

Circana tracks digital game sales through its 'Digital Leaderboard,' which receives data directly from participating publishers. This includes the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Steam. However, some companies, like Nintendo, do not share digital sales figures for their first-party titles in the standard monthly rankings, which is why you will often see a 'digital sales not included' disclaimer for those specific games.

4. Who is the best selling console in the US right now?

The PlayStation 5 currently leads the US market in both hardware dollar sales and unit sales for the 2024-2025 period. While the Nintendo Switch held the title for many years, the PS5's increased supply and high-profile exclusives have allowed it to take the top spot as the primary driver of console market share in the United States.

5. When are the monthly NPD reports released?

The monthly reports for npd sales are typically released during the third week of the following month. For example, the data for January is usually published around February 15th to 22nd. Analysts like Mat Piscatella often provide a summary on social media (X/Twitter) as soon as the data is officially live on the Circana website.

6. How accurate are NPD sales figures?

NPD/Circana data is highly accurate for the US market because it captures the vast majority of retail and digital transactions. While it may not capture 100% of every indie game on every platform, it covers the significant majority of consumer spending habits. Industry professionals, investors, and major publishers rely on this data for financial forecasting and strategic planning.

7. Are PC game sales included in Circana reports?

Yes, PC game sales are included in Circana reports, but only for participating publishers. The data includes full-game downloads from platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. PC distribution is one of the fastest-growing segments in the US games industry sales, especially as more traditionally console-exclusive titles make their way to the platform.

8. Does NPD include mobile game revenue?

The 'NPD sales' data for mobile gaming is handled slightly differently, often through the Sensor Tower integration or specific mobile-focused Circana reports. While the standard monthly 'Top 20' chart focuses on PC and Console, Circana does track total mobile gaming revenue as part of its broader 'Total Consumer Spending' metrics to provide a full picture of the gaming ecosystem.

9. What was the best selling game of 2024 according to NPD?

The top-selling game of 2024 according to Circana was Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, followed closely by EA Sports FC 25 and Elden Ring. These titles represent the 'Big Three' genres that drive the majority of software dollar sales: shooters, sports, and high-engagement action RPGs.

10. Who is Mat Piscatella and why is he important for gaming data?

Mat Piscatella is the Executive Director and Video Game Industry Analyst at Circana. He is the most prominent public face of 'NPD sales' data, providing the essential context, 'why' behind the trends, and year-over-year comparisons. His insights help the public understand the difference between a 'down month' and a long-term structural shift in the market.

References

circana.com — Circana Video Games Industry Official Site

gamesindustry.biz — GamesIndustry.biz Market Analysis

interactive.org — AIAS NPD Top 10 Video Game Sales