Console Sales Plummet in Key Region

European Console Market Suffers 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 console sales plummeted by 21% compared to 2023.

Individual console performance reflected this trend. While the PlayStation 5, bolstered by the PS5 Pro's release, fared best with a 20% sales decrease, the Nintendo Switch saw a 15% decline, and the Xbox Series X/S suffered a dramatic 48% drop. This slump 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 plateau, a sentiment echoed by the Meta Quest 3S outselling all major consoles in the US market during 2024.

Shifting Sands: Digital Dominates

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 behavior. Digital game sales surged by 15%, reaching 131.6 million units, while physical sales plummeted by 22%, totaling 56.5 million units. This clearly indicates a growing preference for digital distribution.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The outlook for 2025 appears more optimistic, with the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to revitalize the market. 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 territories might paint a less bleak picture of 2024's performance.

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