Market research company, The NPD Group, dug into consumer trends for the year 2020 and found that American spending on video games hit a record of $56.9 billion. Compared to 2019, that's a substantial 27 percent spike. And, compared to 2011, American spending on video game hardware reach yet another record of $5.3 billion. When compared with the figures from 2019, that's a 35 percent increase. MORE LIKE THIS Matt Wille 5.12.2021 5:58 PM GAMING Microsoft launches Xbox reservation program for scalper-free upgrades Matt Wille 5.11.2021 8:04 PM An employee of an electronics retail shop sells the new Sony PlayStation virtual reality (PSVR) headset before its opening in Tokyo on October 13, 2016. The electronics giant - which has been leaning on its videogames business to claw back to profitability - started selling its PlayStation virtual reality (PSVR) headset on October 13 in the Japanese domestic market and North America. / AFP / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images) GAMING Next-gen PlayStation VR is higher res and has gaze-tracking tech Matt Wille 19 hours ago GAMING Nintendo fans are super salty about the Switch's latest NES ports STAY UP TO DATE your email here SUBSCRIBE Mat Piscatella, the executive director and video game industry analyst for NPD, classified consumer trends into video game hardware, accessories, and video game content. NINTENDO IS KING — In the NPD research, Nintendo brought in the big bucks and reigned supreme over PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X in the United States. Piscatella notes that the Nintendo Switch "[W]as the best-selling hardware platform in units and dollars for both December and the 2020 year. Annual dollar sales of Switch hardware were the second-highest for a platform in United States' history. Only the 2008 dollar sales of Nintendo Wii were higher." The NPD Group Input has been following the Switch's ascension to the top. The Nintendo Switch gained an immense following and consumer interest thanks to its adaptability. Plus, with addictive and family-friendly games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons — that's frequently updated to keep gamers coming back — the Nintendo Switch became the go-to source of gaming entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was so excellently executed that the Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing combo even managed to topple titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Pokemon Sword and Shield around the world. STAY-AT-HOME SEASON — As outdoor entertainment venues like theaters and cinemas began shutting down over public health risks, in-home entertainment took on new importance for millions of consumers. Digital storefronts by Steam and others offered discounted titles, bundle offers, and free games to keep people hooked. In the middle of it all, Nintendo's timing — whether good luck or good management — was perfect. It was able to offer those stuck at home the affordable and crowd-pleasing Switch (and Switch Lite) alongside the strangely irresistible Animal Crossing, not only grabbing the hearts of American consumers but dominating the global gaming market, too. TECH The Pikachu-themed Instax printer is this summer’s cutest accessory Somehow 'New Pokémon Snap' just got even more exciting. Matt Wille 4.22.2021 3:37 PM The release of the new Pokémon Snap is rapidly approaching, and Nintendo just managed to make us even more excited for its release. Fujifilm has partnered with the game developer to create a new Switch-themed Instax Mini Link printer — and there’s a bundle with an adorable silicone Pikachu sleeve, too. The Mini Link is the same instant printer Instax already offers, albeit with a fresh coat of Nintendo-inspired paint. The palm-sized printer connects directly to your smartphone and spits out photos on Fujifilm’s Instax instant film paper.