NPD: U.S. game-console spending up 25% through first half of 2020

In the United States, the pandemic dictates what our lives can look like. Even as some states attempted to reopen, many are going back on lockdown. The prospect of movie theaters, comedy venues, or concert halls opening up through the end of the year is laughable. So people — at least those who still have work — are turning to video games to find some source of entertainment and social connectivity. That has led to a 25% year-over-year increase in hardware sales through the first half of 2020, according to industry-tracking firm The NPD Group.

“Year-to-date spending has increased 25% compared to a year ago to $1.6 billion,” said NPD analyst Mat Piscatella.