Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card sales surge 631% in the US

In the United States, spending on new physical video game software reached $738 million through August 2026, representing a 5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth was largely driven by a 631% surge in spending on Nintendo Switch 2 'game-key cards,' a format that requires players to download game data after using the physical card.

The rise in game-key card sales helped offset a 3% decline in spending on other physical media, such as standard cartridges and discs. While the format remains controversial among collectors due to its download dependency, titles like Elden Ring have contributed to its market traction.

Despite the growth in physical software, overall consumer spending on video games, hardware, and accessories in the U.S. fell by 9% in August 2026 compared to August 2025. The Nintendo Switch 2 emerged as the top-selling console in terms of both unit sales and dollar value during this period.