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, primarily attributed to market saturation and a lack of major new console releases. Despite the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro – the only new console from a major manufacturer – overall console sales plummeted by 21% compared to 2023.

Individual manufacturer performance reflected this trend. While Sony's PlayStation 5, boosted by the PS5 Pro's release, saw the least severe decline (20%), Nintendo Switch sales dropped 15%, and Xbox Series X/S sales experienced a dramatic 48% decrease. This slump 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, as evidenced by the Meta Quest 3S outselling all major consoles in the US market in 2024, further suggests a shift in consumer preferences.

A Shift in Gaming Consumption

Although overall console sales declined, the European gaming market as a whole saw a modest 1% increase in total game sales in 2024, reaching 188.1 million units. This growth, however, is largely driven by a significant shift towards digital distribution. Digital game sales surged by 15% to 131.6 million units, while physical game sales plummeted by 22%, reaching only 56.5 million units. This clearly indicates a growing preference for digital game purchases.

Outlook for 2025

The year 2025 is anticipated to revitalize the European gaming market. The upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to significantly boost console sales. It's important to note, however, that the reported sales figures exclude several major European markets, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. Inclusion of these markets could potentially alter the overall picture for 2024.

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