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 – a refreshed version of the existing PS5 – 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 relatively better with a 20% sales decrease, the Nintendo Switch saw a 15% decline, and the Xbox Series X/S suffered a dramatic 48% drop. This downturn is largely attributed to the aging console landscape; 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 Landscape: Digital Dominates

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

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Looking Ahead to 2025

The gaming industry anticipates a more robust 2025, largely due to the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2. 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 could potentially alter the overall picture for 2024.

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