Technologies

Video Game Hardware Sales Are the Worst in Decades: Here’s Why You Should Buy Now

New analytics show abysmal video game hardware sales for Black Friday, but price hikes aren’t over yet.

It’s been a rough holiday season for video game hardware so far. Analytics company Circana released its November report on Wednesday, showing rising prices and console sales at their worst point in decades.

According to Circana director Mat Piscatella, the average price of a new unit of video game hardware has risen from around $235 in 2019 to $439 in 2025. That appears to be a major driver in the decline of video game spending, which has dropped to $5.9 billion, a 4% decrease from last year’s $6.1 billion.

Those are unfavorable numbers, considering that November typically performs quite well due to Black Friday sales, with many people waiting for this time of year to purchase expensive game consoles. Hardware prices may have made this less feasible now, especially for consoles. Overall, hardware spending decreased to $695 million, the lowest level since 2005.

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The reports indicated that Microsoft Xbox Series console sales were down 70% year-over-year, while the Sony PlayStation 5 — which remained the highest-selling console of the month — was down 40%. Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 sales, meanwhile, were down only 10%, while general video game accessories were down 13%.

Among the top-selling video games in November 2025 were Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Battlefield 6, according to data from Circana. Top games also include longtime favorites like Minecraft and Red Dead Redemption II, as well as newcomers like Ghost of Yotei and The Outer Worlds 2.

A representative from Circana didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Are video game costs ever going to fall?

If you’re waiting for consoles and other hardware to start dropping in price, you may want to reconsider. Experts expect the growing costs of RAM in recent months to continue well into next year. That’s likely to lead to even higher costs for all video game consoles in the future.

If you’re planning to purchase expensive video game hardware, we suggest taking advantage of available holiday discounts whenever possible. Things aren’t likely to improve in 2026.

When it comes to physical video game media, such as game discs, it’s harder to judge. As gamers focus on digital purchases, it may be a good time to search for physical games, as they’re more likely to remain in stock due to this year’s low sales numbers.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im