Next in Gaming – Market Insights

PC GAMING DRIVES GROWTH WHILE CONSOLES ARE EXPECTED TO MAKE A COMEBACK

PC gaming remains the engine of the industry. Between January and June 2025, global sales of PC hardware and accessories rose by 19 %, with the strongest growth in mobile PCs (+23 %), desktop PCs (+15 %), and mice (+16 %). This growth is driven by a dedicated base of gaming enthusiasts with 31 % upgrading even when their devices are still fully functional. In addition to upgrading earlier, gamers are also willing to invest in products focused on performance and design which are dedicated to their favourite past time, gaming. Gaming mice, for instance, can command a price index of 140 compared with their non-gaming peers. 

Console hardware is set to rebound after a challenging 2024. New-generation devices will reignite interest and generate demand, though they may shift consumer spending away from PC gaming.

MULTIPLATFORM CONTINUES TO GAIN GROUND

Seamless play across devices is unlocking new levels of engagement – whether on a smartphone during your commute, a PC at home or a console in the living room. This flexibility not only extends playtime but also broadens a game’s audience. With nearly 70 % of gamers playing on mobile, 47 % on PC and 31 % on consoles, the ability to link these experiences creates a unified ecosystem that drives loyalty, usage and future growth.

EMERGING MARKETS FUEL EXPANSION

While Western Europe and developed Asia saw slight declines, growth is accelerating elsewhere. Emerging Asia grew by 13 %, Latin America by 15 %. China posted an impressive +40 % year-on-year growth in gaming-related sales – making it the single largest contributor to global value gains. This surge is being driven in part by government subsidies rewarding consumers who replace their tech devices – funds which many Chinese buyers channel into high-performance gaming products.

For Europe, positive signs can be observed in sales from distributors to retail channels: Gaming laptops show a growth of +6 % indicating increasing demand.

RISKS ON THE HORIZON

Despite strong momentum, several challenges could slow down progress: 

• Macroeconomic pressures – Inflation, potential trade barriers and high living costs may dampen demand for high-end hardware.
• Growth of refurbished and second-hand devices – Extended product lifecycles and heightened price competition are evident, with the share of second-hand laptops up two percentage points year-on-year, and consoles up one point.
• Shifts driven by cloud gaming and 5G – While these technologies broaden access to gaming for new audiences, they may reduce demand for dedicated hardware, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

OUTLOOK

Gaming is set to grow further in 2025 and beyond. With strong PC performance, renewed interest in consoles and multi-platform compatibility becoming the norm, the industry has an opportunity to expand its player base once again. Growth will continue to be driven by emerging markets, while technologies such as cloud and 5G will redefine how games are played. To stay ahead, brands must deliver seamless, high-quality experiences across devices – and remain agile in a competitive yet rewarding market.

Sources:

1 NIQ Consumer Life, Global, 2025; 2 NIQ Market Intelligence, Retail Channels, International Coverage excl. North America and Russia, Gaming Categories (Gaming Mobile PCs, Gaming Desktop PCs, Gaming Monitors, Gaming Keyboards, Gaming Mice, Gaming Headsets, Gaming Speakers); 3 NIQ gfknewron consumer, buyers for Mobile PCs in 2024; 4 NIQ Digital Purchases, Refurbished Products for Mobile PCs and Consoles, MAT 2025 (July 2024 – July 2025) vs. previous year’s period; 5 NIQ MI Supply Chain Panel – Europe wo. RU/BY, Sales Value EUR wo. VAT, YTD Jan - Jun25 Infographics: NIQ Market Intelligence Sales Tracking; Global (excl. NA, RU), Revenue growth in USD, Jan-June 2025 vs. previous year |3 NIQ gfknewron Consumer; Mobile PC Buyers, in 2024. All other growth rates are calculated in revenue USD (NSP), covering January to June 2025 vs. January to June 2024.