The NPD Group which tracks video game software and hardware sales throughout the United States has confirmed today that it is the Nintendo Switch family of systems which have sold the most amount of units during the first half of 2022. Total spending on video games and consoles in the United States saw a decline of 13% when compared to Q2 2021. Hardware and accessories declined 1% and 11%, respectively but video game subscription services increased.
The NPD Group says that the best-selling games across mobile and console during the first half of 2022 included Among Us, Angry Birds 2, Bingo Blitz, Call of Duty: Warzone, Candy Crush Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Clash of Clans, Coin Master, Diablo Immortal, Elden Ring, Evony: The King’s Return, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto V, Homescapes, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Madden NFL 22, Mario Kart 8, Minecraft, MLB The Show 22, Pokémon GO, Roblox, Royal Match, The Sims 4 and State of Survival.
“Higher prices in everyday spending categories such as food and gas, the return of experiential spending such as travel and attending live events, a lighter release slate of new games, and continued new generation console hardware supply constraints were all likely contributors to the decline seen in the second quarter,” said Mat Piscatella, games industry analyst at The NPD Group. “After a period of sustained growth, consumer spending continues to trend above pre-pandemic levels. However, unpredictable and quickly changing conditions may continue to impact the market in unexpected ways in the coming quarters.”