Console Gaming Surpasses PC in German Market Trends

The latest analysis from Germany highlights a significant shift in gaming platform preferences, with console gaming experiencing notable growth while PC gaming sees a decline. Since 2019, PC gaming has dropped by 20%, whereas consoles have steadily gained popularity, positioning them to potentially overtake smartphones as the leading gaming platform in the near future. This trend is supported by continuous innovation and competitive releases from major companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Meanwhile, mobile and tablet gaming have remained relatively stable, showing no significant growth or decline over the same period.

According to recent data, console gaming in Germany has grown by 29% since 2019, reflecting its increasing appeal among gamers. The momentum behind this growth appears strong, with the potential for consoles to become the top choice for gaming in Germany soon. The PlayStation 5 Pro and the Nintendo Switch OLED model are examples of optimized versions designed to counteract the cyclical nature of the market. With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, expectations are high for further boosting console sales in 2025.

In contrast, PC gaming has faced setbacks, with a noticeable drop in active users from 13.5 million in 2019 to 13.1 million at the end of 2024. This decline marks a reversal of fortune, as PC gamers previously outnumbered console gamers in 2019 by a margin of 16.3 to 15.9 million. Now, consoles lead by more than 7 million users. While many gamers use multiple platforms, the overall trend indicates a growing preference for consoles over PCs, especially considering that approximately 19 million gamers in Germany engage across two or more platforms.

The downturn in PC gaming can be attributed to various factors, including a lack of compelling new hardware developments. Components like GPUs offer minimal excitement for budget-conscious gamers, contributing to the platform's declining appeal. Additionally, the broader industry experienced a "break from growth" in 2024, with game sales down 17% and hardware sales falling by 10%. Online gaming services were the only segment showing positive growth at 12%, suggesting a shift in how gamers access and enjoy content. These insights underscore a transformative phase in the gaming landscape, particularly within Germany.