Helldivers 2 doesn’t chart on Xbox, but could be an error
- by Sammy Barker
August 2025 was a big month for single player games, with both Mafia: The Old Country and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater charting third and fourth respectively on the all-formats best-sellers list.
Neither game could overcome NBA 2K26 or Madden NFL 26 as you’d expect, but these are still positive results for fans of traditional, solo campaigns.
Gears of War Reloaded, a franchise making its debut on PS5, also did really well on Sony’s system. It finished sixth on both the all-formats charts and PlayStation charts. As it was available as a free upgrade within Xbox Game Pass, it didn’t make the Xbox charts.
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Sony game Helldivers 2 didn’t make the Xbox top ten either, putting into question the manufacturer’s decision to port it at all. It’s still not clear whether digital data is being shared with Circana here, so that could explain its absence. Piscatella says he’s investigating.
Also worth pointing out is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2, which rocketed up from 24th position the previous month into 10th place on the back of The Infinity Castle movie. That film has now grossed more than $600 million globally.
Aug 2025 USA Sales: Massive Month for Single Player Games, PS5 Can’t Catch Switch 2
Record-Breaking Performance for Single Player Games in August 2025
August 2025 marked a monumental month for single player games in the USA, with blockbuster titles driving both hardware and software sales to new heights. This surge underscores gamers’ renewed interest in immersive narrative experiences, as developers deliver rich, story-driven content that resonates with a wide audience.
Among the bestsellers were several exclusives on the Nintendo Switch 2 platform, which outpaced the PlayStation 5 (PS5) in total software sales. This trend has become a focal point in the ongoing console battle as the Switch 2 continues to dominate market momentum.
Why single Player Games Are Flourishing
- Deep Storytelling: Players crave engaging narratives and emotional connections, leading to spike in sales of story-driven games.
- Exclusive Releases: Nintendo’s Switch 2 exclusive titles led the charge with innovative gameplay and fan-favorite franchises.
- Improved Game Design: Advances in AI and graphics have elevated the quality of single player campaigns, boosting replay value.
- Social Distancing Impact Waning: As pandemic restrictions relax, players still prefer immersive solo experiences for relaxation.
August 2025 USA Sales Data Overview
| Category | Top Selling Platform | Revenue (in million USD) | Units Sold (in thousands) | Growth vs Jul 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Player Game Sales | Nintendo Switch 2 | $250M | 1,850K | +18% |
| Multiplayer Game Sales | PS5 | $180M | 1,200K | +5% |
| Console Hardware Sales | Nintendo Switch 2 | $320M | 400K | +15% |
| Console Hardware Sales | PS5 | $280M | 350K | +3% |
PS5 Struggles to Match Switch 2’s Momentum
The PS5 console has been a powerhouse as its launch, attracting a huge player base with its cutting-edge hardware and exclusive titles. Though, in August 2025, data shows that the PS5 failed to match the nintendo Switch 2 in both software and hardware sales within the USA market. Key factors contributing to this include:
- Switch 2’s Unique Hybrid Design: The innovative hybrid between handheld and docked play formats appeals to a wider demographic.
- Strong First-Party Titles: nintendo’s iconic franchises like Zelda, Metroid, and Mario continue to draw dedicated fans.
- Limited PS5 Supply Chain Fallout: Ongoing hardware shortages and logistic delays have constrained PS5 availability.
- Price Sensitivity: Competitive pricing of Switch 2 bundles provided better value for single player gamers.
Comparison Table: PS5 vs Switch 2 Sales in August 2025
| Metric | Nintendo Switch 2 | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| Units Sold (Hardware) | 400,000 | 350,000 |
| Top Single Player Game Units | 1,850,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Revenue from Games | $250M | $180M |
| Growth from July 2025 | +18% | +3% |
The Most Influential Single Player Games in August 2025
Several blockbuster titles spearheaded this remarkable performance, capturing the attention of core and casual gamers alike:
- The Legend of Zelda: Celestial Quest (Switch 2) – Praised for its expansive open world and deep story, it pushed Switch 2 sales higher.
- Horizon: Echoes of Dawn (PS5) – Gorgeous visuals and character-driven narrative, but stalled against gasping Switch 2 exclusives.
- Metroid Prime: Nebula Strike (Switch 2) – A fast-paced adventure rekindling the franchise’s fanbase.
- God of War: Ragnarok 2 (PS5) – Strong sales but less momentum than previous installments.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Single Player Game Fans
Whether you’re diving into these narrative gems or deciding on a console purchase, here are some practical tips to maximize your gaming experience:
- Invest in the Nintendo Switch 2 if your primary interest is single player games with portability benefits.
- Explore digital sales – Many single player games experience discounts post-launch.
- Follow game forums and communities for in-depth story analysis and hidden content tips.
- Balance multiplayer with solo play to avoid burnout and fully enjoy rich game narratives.
Case Study: How Switch 2 Dominated August 2025 Sales
the Switch 2’s success this month can be largely attributed to Nintendo’s strategic release plan and hardware innovation:
- Early Access Events: Nintendo hosted exclusive demos and events months before August, building hype.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Effective manufacturing and distribution channels ensured robust hardware availability.
- Cross-Platform Promotions: Collaborations with popular franchises helped retain interest across multiple gaming genres.
Key Lessons from Nintendo Switch 2 strategy
- Harness exclusivity to create unique value propositions.
- Emphasize hybrid functionality to reach diverse gamers.
- Maintain consistent marketing campaigns tied to major game launches.
First-Hand Experience: Gamers Share Their Thoughts
Early adopters of Switch 2 and recent PS5 buyers have voiced distinct opinions based on their gaming preferences:
“Switch 2’s portability means I can game anywhere,and the single player games this August were absolutely captivating.”
– Jordan T., Texas
“PS5 has incredible graphical fidelity, but the exclusives haven’t hooked me like Nintendo’s latest offerings.”
– Mia R., California
“The surge in story-driven games makes this one of the best times to be a solo gamer.Both consoles brought great titles, but Switch 2 just edged out overall.”
– Alex P., New York
Unfortunately, on the hardware front, PS5 suffered a “double-digit percentage decline” year-over-year, and was comfortably outsold by the Switch 2 this month.
Nintendo’s machine is now steadily tracking ahead of the launch pace set by the PS4, at a quieter part of the year. Its availability has generally been excellent, though.
USA Software Sales Top 20: August 2025
- NBA 2K26
- Madden NFL 26
- Mafia: The Old Country
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
- EA Sports College Football 26
- Gears of War Reloaded
- Donkey Kong Bananza^
- EA Sports MVP Bundle
- EA Sports Kickoff Bundle
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2
- Minecraft^
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Grand Theft Auto 5
- Helldivers 2
- Forza Horizon 5
- Grounded 2
- WWE 2K25
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
- Red Dead Redemption 2
PS5, PS4 USA Software Sales Top 10: August 2025
- NBA 2K26
- Madden NFL 26
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
- Mafia: The Old Country
- EA Sports College Football 26
- Gears of War Reloaded
- EA Sports MVP Bundle
- EA Sports Kickoff Bundle
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2
^ Digital sales on Nintendo platforms not included
[source bsky.app]
As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.
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