Key Takeaways
1. PC gaming in Germany has declined by 20% since 2019, with the number of PC gamers dropping from 15.9 million to 13.1 million by 2024.
2. Console gaming has increased by 29%, with the number of console players rising from 16.3 million to 20.5 million during the same period.
3. The Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 continue to have strong loyalty among gamers, despite the launch of new consoles.
4. Rising costs of gaming PCs, particularly the prices of graphics cards, are making consoles like the PS5 Pro a more attractive option for gamers.
5. While PC gaming is growing in Asian countries, mobile gaming remains significant in Germany, although its growth has stagnated.
Studies indicate that PC gaming is flourishing globally, but not every nation is seeing this rise. A recent survey from Germany has caught the attention of many, revealing that fewer gamers are opting for desktops and laptops. The use of PCs has dropped by 20% since 2019, while console gaming has surged by 29%. The article from Game.de points to the enduring popularity of the PlayStation and Switch systems. Additionally, the PS5 Pro is becoming a more attractive choice compared to expensive PC setups.
Insights from YouGov Shopper
YouGov Shopper gathered national data by asking 25,000 Germans about their gaming preferences. The number of PC gamers is estimated to have decreased from 15.9 million in 2019 to 13.1 million by 2024. In contrast, the number of console players rose from 16.3 million to 20.5 million in the same timeframe. However, this survey doesn’t monitor hardware or console sales; it only covers which devices gamers prefer.
Loyalty to Consoles
Despite its launch in 2017, the Nintendo Switch, along with the PS5 that came out in 2020, continues to command loyalty among gamers. The data does not yet reflect the influence of the Switch 2, which has been performing well in several EU countries. Even though Xbox console sales have been declining across Europe, that hasn’t dampened the appeal of these gaming platforms.
The YouGov survey did not inquire why gamers are favoring Sony and Nintendo in the ongoing PC vs console debate. However, one widely accepted explanation revolves around the rising costs associated with building a gaming PC. The high prices of Nvidia and AMD graphics cards make this option less appealing. There was initial doubt regarding the MSRP of the PS5 Pro, but it has now become a more feasible choice for many consumers. Unlike prior PlayStation models, the PS5 Pro has not experienced a price increase in Germany.
Global Trends in Gaming
Data shows that PC gaming is gaining traction in Asian countries, such as China and Japan. Nevertheless, if YouGov Shopper’s findings are accurate, this trend isn’t consistent across the board. The significance of mobile gaming also should not be overlooked. In Germany, smartphones are at the forefront of gaming, although growth has remained relatively stagnant in recent years.
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