Why staying in is becoming more expensive

Rising prices are reshaping how Americans spend on entertainment at home, according to a CNBC report on socalled funflation. Costs for video games, streaming services, and related devices have increased as major companies including Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and Nintendo have raised prices. The article says consumers are responding by cutting back, canceling subscriptions, switching to cheaper options, or choosing free and adsupported services. Data cited from PNC Financial Services shows home entertainment spending fell in June from a year earlier, with Gen Z and Millennial consumers reducing transactions the most. The report also points to broader pressures, including higher electricity costs and a sharp rise in prices for subscriptions to videos and video games since 2019. Economists say these increases are adding to household budget strain and may be weighing on overall consumer sentiment.