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 major console releases. Despite the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro – the only new console from a major manufacturer – overall sales plummeted.

The lack of significant new hardware releases from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo contributed to a 21% year-over-year decline in console sales across Europe, according to a Video Games Chronicle report. While the PS5 Pro offered a performance upgrade, it proved insufficient to offset the overall market slowdown. Individual manufacturer sales figures reflected this trend: PlayStation sales decreased by 20%, Nintendo Switch sales fell by 15%, and Xbox Series X/S sales experienced a dramatic 48% drop. This decline is largely attributed to the age of current-generation consoles, with the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles launching in 2020 and the Nintendo Switch in 2017. The market saturation is further highlighted by the Meta Quest 3S outselling all major consoles in the US market in 2024, suggesting a broader trend of console sales stagnation.

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Digital Sales Surge While Physical Copies Decline

While console sales faltered, the overall European gaming market showed a modest 1% increase in 2024, reaching 188.1 million units sold (PC and console combined). This growth, however, masks a significant shift in consumer purchasing habits. Digital game sales saw a substantial 15% increase, reaching 131.6 million units, while physical sales plummeted by 22%, reaching only 56.5 million units.

The report excludes sales data from several key European markets, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. Inclusion of these markets might alter the overall picture, potentially mitigating the severity of the reported decline.

2025: Anticipated Market Rebound

The outlook for 2025 appears more promising, with the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to revitalize the market and drive significant sales. However, the 2024 figures underscore the challenges facing the console market in navigating market saturation and the evolving preferences of gamers.

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