NPD: U.S. video game revenue grew 18% to $36 billion in 2017

The U.S. video games industry earned $36 billion in revenues in 2017, according to The NPD Group and Entertainment Software Association (ESA). This is an 18 percent increase from 2016. Revenues includes sales from hardware, peripherals, software (physical and digital), and in-game purchases.

2017 saw the launch of Nintendo’s home console/portable hybrid Switch in March. The system sold 4.8 million machines during 2017, a new U.S. record for a console’s first 10 months. Microsoft also released the Xbox One X, an improved version of the Xbox One with 4K support, in November. Sony’s PlayStation 4 upgrade, the PlayStation 4 Pro, came out late in 2016 but sold well throughout the year.