Video Game Console Hardware Sales Are Way Down in One Region

Author : Zoe Feb 19,2025

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 sales plummeted.

The year saw a considerable decrease in sales across the board. A report from Video Games Chronicle revealed a staggering 21% drop in total console sales compared to 2023. While Sony's PlayStation, potentially boosted by the PS5 Pro, fared best with a 20% decline, Nintendo Switch sales fell by 15%, and Xbox Series X/S sales took a dramatic 48% hit. This downturn is largely attributed to the maturity of the current console generation, with the original PS5 and Xbox Series consoles launching in 2020 and the Nintendo Switch in 2017. The market appears stagnant, a sentiment echoed by the Meta Quest 3S outselling all major consoles in the US market in 2024.

Image:  Illustrative image of declining sales chart (Replace https://img.xmi.cchttps://img.xmi.ccplaceholder_image.jpg with an appropriate image if available)

A Shift in Gaming Consumption

While console sales suffered, the overall European gaming market showed a modest 1% increase in 2024, reaching 188.1 million PC and console games sold. However, this growth masks a significant shift in purchasing habits. Digital game sales surged by 15%, reaching 131.6 million units, while physical sales plummeted by 22%, down to 56.5 million units. This clearly indicates a growing preference for digital distribution.

Image:  Illustrative image of digital vs physical sales (Replace https://img.xmi.cchttps://img.xmi.ccplaceholder_image.jpg with an appropriate image if available)

Outlook for 2025

The gaming industry anticipates a stronger 2025, particularly with the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2. However, it's crucial to note that the reported data excludes several major European markets, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. Inclusion of these markets might alter the overall picture for 2024.

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