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 dearth of new releases from major players. 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 console performance reflected this trend. While Sony's PlayStation 5, bolstered by the PS5 Pro release, fared best with a 20% sales decrease, Nintendo Switch sales dropped 15%, and Xbox Series X/S sales took a considerable 48% hit. This decline is largely attributed to the age of current-generation consoles, with the original PS5 and Xbox Series consoles launching in 2020 and the Nintendo Switch in 2017. The market's stagnation is further evidenced by the Meta Quest 3S outselling all major consoles in the US market during 2024, suggesting a broader trend of declining interest in traditional consoles.

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Digital Sales Rise Amidst Physical Decline

While console sales faltered, the overall European gaming market saw a modest 1% increase in 2024, reaching 188.1 million PC and console game sales. This growth, however, is largely driven by a significant shift in consumer purchasing habits. Digital game sales surged 15% to 131.6 million units, while physical sales plummeted 22% to 56.5 million units.

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Outlook for 2025

The gaming industry anticipates a rebound in 2025, fueled by the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2. However, the reported figures exclude several major 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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