Video Game Console Hardware Sales Are Way Down in One Region

European Console Market Sees Significant Dip in 2024

The European video game console market experienced a substantial 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 decline. While the PS5 Pro launch boosted Sony's sales, they still fell by 20%. Nintendo Switch sales dropped 15%, and Xbox Series X/S sales took a significant hit, falling a staggering 48%. This downturn is largely attributed to the age of current-generation consoles; the original PS5 and Xbox Series consoles launched in 2020, and the Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017. The market appears to be reaching a saturation point, a trend mirrored globally, as evidenced by the Meta Quest 3S outselling all major consoles in the US market during 2024.

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Shifting Sales Trends: Digital Dominates

While console sales faltered, the overall European gaming market saw a modest 1% increase in 2024, reaching 188.1 million units sold (PC and console combined). This growth, however, is skewed by a significant shift towards digital distribution. Digital game sales surged 15% to 131.6 million units, while physical sales plummeted 22% to 56.5 million units. This trend suggests a clear preference for digital purchases among European gamers.

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Outlook for 2025: A Potential Resurgence?

The year 2025 is anticipated to bring a resurgence to the European gaming market. The upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to significantly boost console sales. However, it's crucial to note that the reported data excludes several major European markets, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. The inclusion of these markets might alter the overall picture of 2024's performance.

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