Nintendo Switch 2 sets new sales records, while American game subscription spending reaches another peak, potentially signaling strong prospects for Xbox Game Pass.

Nintendo Switch 2 sets new sales records, while American game subscription spending reaches another peak, potentially signaling strong prospects for Xbox Game Pass.

The gaming world is gearing up for an exciting summer, with July and August 2025 expected to witness a moderate increase in subscription spending. This trend is driven by a variety of factors, including the continued growth of subscription services and the release of highly-anticipated games.

The Nintendo Switch 2, which has been making waves since its launch, is projected to dominate July's video game spending. In its launch month, the console sold an impressive 1.6 million units, setting a record for the highest launch-month sales for video game hardware in the U.S. [1]

Meanwhile, the subscription market is also on the rise. Projected video game subscription spending for July and August 2025 is expected to continue its growth trend, particularly driven by value-driven in-game purchases and subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass. This trend aligns with a broader 3.4% year-over-year global increase in gaming spending, with North America seeing about a 4.2% increase. [1]

Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass subscription revenue has been setting records, with nearly $5 billion reported in 2024, indicating strong momentum going into 2025. Given this backdrop, the release of Helldivers 2 on Xbox Series X|S around this period is likely to contribute positively to subscription spending, as new AAA titles tend to boost Game Pass engagement and subscriptions due to their inclusion or promotional offers within the service. [1]

Other factors supporting this include increased spending on in-game content and services separate from full game purchases, players investing more in microtransactions, subscriptions, and downloadable content rather than standalone game sales. [1]

The general gaming market in mid-2025 shows cyclical interest with some dips outside major events, but titles associated with strong platform ecosystems and subscription services remain attractive. [3]

Gaming content consumption across social and streaming platforms is also increasing, which indirectly boosts engagement and spending on subscription-based gaming services that feature popular or community-driven games. [4]

In summary, July and August 2025 subscription spending in gaming is projected to rise moderately in North America and globally, supported by actual spending patterns and subscription service growth, with Helldivers 2’s release on Xbox Series X|S likely amplifying Game Pass subscriptions and related in-game purchases during this period. [1][4]

Helldivers 2 is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S in August 2025, adding to the excitement. The top-selling game of the year so far in the U.S. is Monster Hunter Wilds, while Elden Ring Nightreign stayed on top of the sales charts in June 2025. Mario Kart World took third place in June's sales charts. [2]

For those interested in Xbox gaming, subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ensures access to everything coming to the service. Retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and CDKeys offer Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for purchase. [5]

Hardware spending year-over-year increased by 249% due to the Nintendo Switch 2 sales, with the console being the best-selling for the month in units and dollar sales. [6]

Total video game spending for the month of June 2025 reached $5.7 billion, up 22% year-over-year. [7]

For the latest news, reviews, and guides on Windows and Xbox gaming, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter. The release of Helldivers 2 on Xbox Series X|S is causing curiosity about the potential impact on August's video game spending, making it an exciting time to stay tuned. [8]

1. The upcoming release of Helldivers 2 on Xbox Series X|S, scheduled for August 2025, is expected to contribute positively to gaming subscription spending, given the strong growth of Xbox Game Pass.
2. The Nintendo Switch 2, the top-selling gaming hardware in units and dollar sales for June 2025, contributed to a significant 249% year-over-year increase in hardware spending.
3. For PC and Xbox gamers alike, a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers access to the latest games, with popular retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and CDKeys offering the service for purchase.
4. The release of Helldivers 2 on Xbox Series X|S, along with the continued growth of subscription services, promising new games, and increased spending on in-game content, is causing excitement in the gaming world, making it an interesting time to follow gaming news and trends, especially for Windows and Xbox enthusiasts.

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