European Console Market Sees Significant Dip in 2024
The European video game console market experienced a downturn in 2024, marked by declining sales across major platforms. Market saturation and a lack of significant new 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.
Sales figures reveal a concerning trend: a 21% year-on-year drop in total console sales. Individual manufacturers also faced setbacks. PlayStation sales, despite the PS5 Pro launch, fell by 20%. Nintendo Switch sales dropped 15%, and Xbox Series X/S sales plummeted by a staggering 48%. This downturn is attributed to market stagnation, with existing consoles having been on the market for several years (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S since 2020, and the Nintendo Switch since 2017). Further evidence of this stagnation is seen in the US market, where the Meta Quest 3S outsold all major gaming consoles in 2024, suggesting a broader trend of waning interest in traditional consoles.
Shifting Sales Trends: Digital Dominance
While console sales faltered, the overall European gaming market saw a modest 1% increase in sales, reaching 188.1 million units (PC and console combined). This growth, however, reflects a significant shift in purchasing habits. Digital game sales surged by 15% to 131.6 million units, while physical sales plummeted by 22% to 56.5 million units. This clearly indicates a growing preference for digital distribution.
Outlook for 2025: Anticipated Recovery
The gaming industry anticipates a more positive outlook for 2025. The upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to significantly boost sales. It's important to note that the reported data excludes several major European markets, including the UK, Germany, Netherlands, and Austria. Including these markets could potentially alter the overall picture for 2024.
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