Xbox struggles to move physical discs, accounts for only 4% of disc sales in the US this year

Q: What percentage of new physical video game sales in the US did Xbox account for in 2026 according to Circana?

According to Circana, Xbox made up about 4% of new physical video game sales in the US in 2026. The article specifies this as just over 4% of the market.

Q: How does Nintendo's share of new physical game sales compare to Xbox's share in this report?

Nintendo accounts for 63% of new physical game sales in the US this year, while Xbox makes up just over 4% of those sales. This means Nintendo's share is roughly fifteen times larger than Xbox's in this report.

Q: Which major Xbox first-party releases in 2026 are mentioned as being available on multiple platforms?

The primary article names Halo: Campaign Evolved and Forza Horizon 6 as major Xbox first-party releases in 2026 that are also available on other platforms.

Q: What did Circana report about total new physical software spending for July 2026?

Circana reported that new physical software spending in July hit an all-time low for that month, totaling $85 million. This was noted as the lowest July figure on record.

New Circana data shows Xbox made up just 4% of new physical game sales in the US this year, with Nintendo running away with the rest.

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Hassam Nasir

Tech Reporter

Published Aug 20, 2026 2:45 PM CDT

1 minute & 15 seconds read time

TL;DR: Circana reports Xbox made up about 4% of new physical game sales in the US in 2026, with Nintendo at 63% and PlayStation 32%. Physical spending hit a July low of $85 million; factors include Nintendo's stronger physical-buying base, Game Pass-driven digital shifts, and multi-platform releases diluting Xbox disc sales.

Voice: Hassam NasirSpeed

0:00 / 2:24

It looks like Xbox is barely a footnote in the physical games market this year. According to analyst firm Circana, only about 4% of new physical video games sold in the US in 2026 have been for Xbox, a small sliver compared to Nintendo and PlayStation.

Circana's monthly report puts Nintendo platforms at 63% of new physical game sales this year, with PlayStation taking 32%. Analyst Mat Piscatella told Kotaku that the remaining share includes some PC collector's editions, like those for 007 First Light and Assassin's Creed: Black Flag: Resynced, leaving Xbox with just over 4%.

Xbox struggles to move physical discs, accounts for only 4% of disc sales in the US this year 2

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A few things likely explain the gap here. Nintendo fans have historically bought physical copies at a much higher rate than PlayStation or Xbox players, so it's not surprising that the platform holding the majority is Nintendo.

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The Xbox and PlayStation split is more interesting, and it's probably tied to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate pulling more players toward digital libraries. Several of Xbox's biggest first-party releases this year, including Halo: Campaign Evolved and Forza Horizon 6, are also available on other platforms, which spreads potential physical buyers across formats.

Xbox struggles to move physical discs, accounts for only 4% of disc sales in the US this year 1

It should be remembered that Sony plans to stop producing new PlayStation discs starting in 2028, with Xbox expected to follow with its next console, Helix. Since PlayStation accounts for roughly a third of the current physical market, its exit would represent a real change for retailers and collectors. Xbox's share is already so small that its eventual departure probably won't move the needle nearly as much.

Xbox struggles to move physical discs, accounts for only 4% of disc sales in the US this year 4

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Question #1

What percentage of new physical video game sales in the US did Xbox account for in 2026 according to Circana?

Question #2

How does Nintendo's share of new physical game sales compare to Xbox's share in this report?

Question #3

Which major Xbox first-party releases in 2026 are mentioned as being available on multiple platforms?

Question #4

What did Circana report about total new physical software spending for July 2026?

Have a question about this content not listed here? Ask below and TweakBot will answer it.

Circana's report also noted that new physical software spending in July hit an all-time low for that month, at $85 million. Whether that reflects a weak month for releases or the general decline in physical media spending is hard to say for certain, but the trend lines have been pointing in the same direction for a while now.