Two console stories landed this week, and they point the same way. Circana's September US report shows PS5 growing while Xbox Series X|S sinks to a new September low, and Sony is pressing ahead with its plan to stop releasing new PS5 games on physical discs.
Whichever console you play on, you'll likely be holding onto it for a while. That makes the one piece of hardware you touch every second worth a closer look.
Quick List
- September US hardware: PS5 up, Xbox and Switch 2 down
- Average selling prices keep climbing
- Sony confirms it will 'cautiously move forward' on ending new PS5 discs
- PS Direct's refurbished PS5 bundle deal
- What this means for your setup
September US Console Sales: PS5 Up, Xbox Down
Per Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, as covered by Pure Xbox, total US video game hardware unit sales fell 3% year over year in September. The platforms split sharply:
| Platform | Unit sales vs. last Sept | Average selling price |
| PlayStation 5 | Up 22% | $646 (from $551) |
| Xbox Series X|S | Down 27% (a new September low) | $663 (from $497) |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Down 14% | $498 (from $486) |
The report covers the US only. Pure Xbox notes Xbox sales were reportedly up year over year in the UK, and that Xbox has stopped sharing digital sales data with Circana, so the picture isn't complete.
The takeaway is the price tag: the average Xbox Series console sold for about a third more than a year ago, and PS5's average rose 17%. Hardware is simply costing more.
Sony Sticks With Ending New PS5 Discs
Sony announced in early July that it will stop releasing new PS5 games on physical discs starting in 2028, while continuing to make discs for games released before then. According to Engadget, Sony CFO Lin Tao reaffirmed the plan on the latest earnings call, saying Sony would 'cautiously move this forward' and acknowledging players' 'strong views.' She pointed to the broader 'digitalization of contents overall.'
Criticism has been loud, including from developers such as Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro, and some players have floated a boycott. For now, the plan stands.
A Refurbished PS5 Deal
If you're still shopping for a console, GamesRadar reports that PS Direct is taking $40 off certified refurbished PS5 bundles that include a DualSense: the Digital Edition bundle drops from $558 to $518, and the Disc Edition bundle from $608 to $568. No end date was listed, so check PS Direct for current terms.
What This Means for You
Put the stories together: consoles cost more, plenty of players are keeping the system they already own, and digital libraries are becoming the norm. When the box under your TV isn't changing, the controller is the most affordable place to feel a real difference.
- On PS5: the PS5 Customizer starts at $84.99, ships with Hall Effect thumbsticks standard, and keeps adaptive triggers and haptics fully functional.
- On Xbox: the Xbox Series X|S Customizer starts at $79.95 and is built on genuine Microsoft hardware.
- Want it ready to go? Browse the PS5 Signature Edition and Xbox Signature Edition collections.
Every ModdedZone controller starts from authentic, brand-new first-party Sony or Microsoft hardware, backed by a 90-day warranty on defective parts, workmanship and the modchip.
A Note on Performance Mods
Mods such as Rapid Fire or Anti-Recoil available through MZ Titan OS may conflict with the ranked or competitive terms of service of specific games. Always check each game's current rules before using them online.
Bottom Line
PS5 is gaining ground, Xbox is struggling in the US, and every platform is getting pricier. Wherever you land, a better controller is a smaller bet than a new console. Start with the PS5 Customizer or the Xbox Series X|S Customizer.
