
Summary
- Europe's major gaming console sales fell in 2024 due to market saturation and limited new releases.
- The PlayStation 5 Pro, the only new console from major brands, failed to reverse the sales decline.
- Overall gaming sales in Europe grew by just 1% in 2024, with digital sales up and physical sales down.
2024 proved challenging for video game consoles in parts of Europe, affecting major brands like Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation. The region saw a significant decline in new console sales, though the gaming industry had some positive developments.
In 2024, the PlayStation 5 Pro was the sole new console launched by the top three gaming companies, offering an upgraded version of Sony’s existing model. Despite enthusiasm from fans for a more powerful Sony console, it wasn’t enough to sustain sales in Europe compared to previous years.
According to a Video Games Chronicle report, sales data shows a tough year for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch in Europe, with console sales plummeting 21% from 2023. PlayStation, buoyed by the PS5 Pro launch, performed best but still saw a 20% sales drop. The Nintendo Switch fell 15%, while Xbox Series X/S sales crashed by 48%. Analysts attribute this to a stagnant console market, with the original PS5 and Xbox Series launched in 2020 and the Nintendo Switch in 2017. On Amazon’s U.S. site, the Meta Quest 3S outsold all major consoles in 2024, suggesting broader market stagnation.
Video Game Sales Slow as Preferences Shift
Europe’s gaming market saw minimal growth in 2024, with 188.1 million PC and console games sold, a mere 1% increase from 2023. While any growth is positive, it likely fell short of industry expectations. The data also highlights a shift in purchasing habits, with digital game sales rising 15% to 131.6 million, while physical game sales dropped 22% to 56.5 million.
Looking ahead, 2025 is poised to be a stronger year for gaming globally and in Europe. The anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 launch is expected to drive significant sales. However, 2024 console sales data excludes key markets like the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria, which may mean the overall picture isn’t as grim as it appears.
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