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 shortage of new console releases. Despite the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro – the only new major console release from a leading manufacturer – overall sales declined considerably.
This sluggish performance contrasts with a modest 1% overall growth in the European gaming market in 2024. This growth was fueled by a surge in digital game sales, which saw a 15% increase, while physical game sales plummeted by 22%.
The Video Games Chronicle reported a dramatic 21% year-on-year drop in console sales across Europe, impacting major players like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. While Sony's PlayStation, potentially boosted by the PS5 Pro, performed best, it still suffered a 20% sales decline. Nintendo Switch sales fell by 15%, and Xbox Series X/S sales took a substantial 48% hit. This downturn is largely attributed to market stagnation, with existing consoles having been on the market for several years. Further evidence of this stagnation is seen in the US, where the Meta Quest 3S outsold all major gaming consoles in 2024 on Amazon.
Shifting Sales Trends and Growth Plateau
The overall European gaming market's modest 1% growth, reaching 188.1 million units (PC and console combined), underscores the challenges faced by the industry. The disparity between digital and physical sales is striking, with digital sales reaching 131.6 million (a 15% increase) and physical sales dropping to 56.5 million (a 22% decrease).
Looking Ahead to 2025
The outlook for 2025 is more optimistic, with the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to significantly boost sales. However, it's crucial to note that the reported sales figures exclude 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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