Gaming Hardware Dives in [Region]

European Console Market Experiences Sales Dip in 2024

The European video game console market faced a significant downturn in 2024, primarily attributed to market saturation and a dearth of new releases from major players. Despite the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro – a refreshed version of the existing PS5 – overall console sales plummeted by 21% compared to 2023.

Individual console performance reflected this trend. While Sony's PlayStation 5, bolstered by the PS5 Pro release, fared relatively better with a 20% sales decrease, Nintendo Switch sales dropped by 15%, and Xbox Series X/S sales experienced a dramatic 48% decline. This downturn is largely attributed to the aging console market, with the initial releases of the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles dating back to 2020, and the Nintendo Switch to 2017. The growing popularity of VR headsets, exemplified by the Meta Quest 3S outselling all major consoles in the US market in 2024, further suggests a potential shift in consumer preferences.

Digital Sales Surge While Physical Copies Decline

Although overall console sales slumped, the European gaming market as a whole saw a modest 1% increase in total game sales, reaching 188.1 million units (PC and console combined). This marginal growth, however, masks a significant shift in purchasing habits. Digital game sales experienced a robust 15% increase, reaching 131.6 million units, while physical game sales plummeted by 22%, totaling only 56.5 million units. This clearly indicates a growing preference for digital distribution.

Outlook for 2025

The year 2025 is anticipated to revitalize the European gaming market. The upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is projected to significantly boost console sales. It is important to note that the reported data excludes sales figures from several key European markets, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. The inclusion of these markets might alter the overall picture for 2024.

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