The NPD Group just released its report of video game sales in the United States for the month of August 2018, and while things on the software front were exceptionally interesting, things on the hardware front were even more so (though I imagine legions of console warriors who are obsessed with their favorite platform “winning” the NPD will be disappointed).
You see, in the month of August, in terms of dollar sales, the NPD Group reports (via VentureBeat) that the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One effectively tied, with a difference of 3% overall.
“Hardware spending in August 2018 grew 28 percent when compared to a year ago, to $214 million,” said NPD analyst Mat Piscatella. “PlayStation 4, Switch, Xbox One, and Plug N Play devices such as the NES Classic Edition all posted year-on-year gains.”
Overall, then, the console market is doing better than it ever has, thanks to a surge of Nintendo hardware sales (at their highest since 2011), the resurgence of Xbox One thanks to the Xbox One X, and of course, the continued strong showings from the PS4. Whether or not all three can continue to fight on an even ground as we go into the Holiday season remains to be seen.