Video Game Console Hardware Sales Are Way Down in One Region

European Console Market Experiences Sales Dip in 2024

The European video game console market experienced a significant downturn in 2024, marked by declining sales across major platforms. Market saturation and a lack of major new console releases contributed to this slump. While the PlayStation 5 Pro, a refreshed version of the existing PS5, launched during the year, it proved insufficient to offset the overall decline.

This downturn impacted all major players. A report from Video Games Chronicle revealed a 21% year-over-year drop in overall console sales. Even PlayStation, which fared best among the major brands thanks to the PS5 Pro, still saw a 20% sales decrease compared to 2023. The Nintendo Switch suffered a 15% decline, while Xbox Series X/S sales plummeted by a substantial 48%. This sharp decrease is attributed to market stagnation, with the original PS5 and Xbox Series consoles having launched in 2020 and the Nintendo Switch in 2017. The growing popularity of VR headsets, exemplified by the Meta Quest 3S outselling all major consoles in the US market in 2024 according to Amazon sales data, further suggests a shift in consumer preferences.

Shifting Sales Trends: Digital Dominates

While console sales faltered, the overall European gaming market showed a modest 1% increase in 2024, reaching 188.1 million units sold (PC and console combined). However, this growth was largely driven by a significant shift towards digital distribution. Digital game sales surged by 15% to 131.6 million units, while physical sales plummeted by 22% to 56.5 million units.

Outlook for 2025: Anticipation and Unknowns

The gaming industry anticipates a more robust 2025, largely fueled by the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2. However, it's important to note that the reported sales figures exclude several key European markets, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. The inclusion of these markets could potentially alter the overall picture for 2024.

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