Nintendo Switch Holds Firm in U.S.
Hardware Market as Circana Releases January 2026 Sales Charts The latest U.S.
video game sales figures from Circana (formerly known as NPD Group) indicate a robust start to the year for the Nintendo Switch.
Despite increased competition and a maturing console lifecycle, Nintendo's hybrid platform was the second best-selling gaming system in the United States during January 2026, following Sony's PlayStation 5, which once again claimed the top spot in hardware sales. Circana, a leading analysis firm renowned for tracking retail and digital gaming sales across the country, published its monthly industry report, highlighting both hardware and software trends.
While Nintendo Switch hardware continues to display remarkable resilience, the company maintains its longstanding policy of not disclosing digital sales figures, meaning only physical Nintendo game sales are included in the rankings.
This approach is important to note when considering the game charts, as Nintendo's internal digital sales remain a significant but unreported portion of the overall market. Topping the software chart for January 2026 is 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7' from Microsoft, which led all video game sales.
Next in line, 'NBA 2K26' from Take-Two Interactive held its number two ranking, cementing basketball's popularity among U.S.
gamers.
'Madden NFL 26' by Electronic Arts climbed to third, driven by continued interest in football simulations at the tail end of the NFL season. Minecraft, published by several industry partners including Microsoft, moved from eighth up to the fourth position, underscoring the game's perennial appeal to diverse age groups.
Rounding out the top five is 'Battlefield 6,' another Electronic Arts blockbuster.
Other notables in Circana’s monthly top ten include 'EA Sports FC 26,' 'Grand Theft Auto V,' which has shown incredible staying power since its original release, 'Red Dead Redemption,' and Square Enix’s acclaimed 'Final Fantasy VII Remake.' Microsoft's 'Forza Horizon 5' continues to perform strongly in tenth place. A Circana spokesperson emphasized that 2026 is showing "healthy consumer demand across both current-generation hardware and evergreen software franchises," citing increased engagement as a sign of ongoing strength within the industry. Despite the Nintendo Switch nearing the end of its lifecycle, the platform’s consistent performance in the U.S.
market is a testament to Nintendo’s ability to sustain hardware momentum alongside a deep library of first-party titles and continued third-party support.
The release of the latest Circana sales data highlights not only shifting consumer preferences but also the enduring appeal of established game franchises.
As industry watchers look ahead to upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, the momentum of the Switch and its games on the U.S.
charts will remain a critical benchmark for hardware and software publishers alike.
Hardware Market as Circana Releases January 2026 Sales Charts The latest U.S.
video game sales figures from Circana (formerly known as NPD Group) indicate a robust start to the year for the Nintendo Switch.
Despite increased competition and a maturing console lifecycle, Nintendo's hybrid platform was the second best-selling gaming system in the United States during January 2026, following Sony's PlayStation 5, which once again claimed the top spot in hardware sales. Circana, a leading analysis firm renowned for tracking retail and digital gaming sales across the country, published its monthly industry report, highlighting both hardware and software trends.
While Nintendo Switch hardware continues to display remarkable resilience, the company maintains its longstanding policy of not disclosing digital sales figures, meaning only physical Nintendo game sales are included in the rankings.
This approach is important to note when considering the game charts, as Nintendo's internal digital sales remain a significant but unreported portion of the overall market. Topping the software chart for January 2026 is 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7' from Microsoft, which led all video game sales.
Next in line, 'NBA 2K26' from Take-Two Interactive held its number two ranking, cementing basketball's popularity among U.S.
gamers.
'Madden NFL 26' by Electronic Arts climbed to third, driven by continued interest in football simulations at the tail end of the NFL season. Minecraft, published by several industry partners including Microsoft, moved from eighth up to the fourth position, underscoring the game's perennial appeal to diverse age groups.
Rounding out the top five is 'Battlefield 6,' another Electronic Arts blockbuster.
Other notables in Circana’s monthly top ten include 'EA Sports FC 26,' 'Grand Theft Auto V,' which has shown incredible staying power since its original release, 'Red Dead Redemption,' and Square Enix’s acclaimed 'Final Fantasy VII Remake.' Microsoft's 'Forza Horizon 5' continues to perform strongly in tenth place. A Circana spokesperson emphasized that 2026 is showing "healthy consumer demand across both current-generation hardware and evergreen software franchises," citing increased engagement as a sign of ongoing strength within the industry. Despite the Nintendo Switch nearing the end of its lifecycle, the platform’s consistent performance in the U.S.
market is a testament to Nintendo’s ability to sustain hardware momentum alongside a deep library of first-party titles and continued third-party support.
The release of the latest Circana sales data highlights not only shifting consumer preferences but also the enduring appeal of established game franchises.
As industry watchers look ahead to upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, the momentum of the Switch and its games on the U.S.
charts will remain a critical benchmark for hardware and software publishers alike.
