GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Console Gaming Industry Statistics

The console gaming industry continues to thrive, with steady growth in revenue and an increasing number of players worldwide.

Highlights: Console Gaming Industry Statistics

  • The Xbox One sold approximately 51 million units worldwide as of 2021.
  • The PlayStation 4 sold over 115 million units as of 2021.
  • PS4 was the number one selling gaming console unit in 2020.
  • The Nintendo Switch sold 28.83 million units in 2020.
  • Pre-owned game sales generated $1.42 billion in revenue within the U.S. in 2021.
  • Console gaming is most popular among males aged 18-24 in 2021, with 41% reporting playing video games at least weekly.
  • As of 2021, 26% of console gamers in the U.S. are aged between 18 to 24.
  • The number of game console users in the U.S. was forecast to reach 103.6 million users in 2021.
  • In Europe, 18% of people between the ages of 6 and 64 own a PlayStation 4.
  • Video games represented 85.4% of the total revenue generated by the UK's entertainment market in 2020.
  • The revenue from console games is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.3% from 2021 to 2028.
  • In 2021, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War was the best-selling video game on consoles in the U.S.
  • Fortnite had over 350 million registered players as of May 2020 across all platforms, including consoles.
  • Less than 15% of PS4 and Xbox One games are cross-platform as of 2021.
  • As of December 2020, at least 15% of PS5 and Xbox Series X games are optimized for next-gen consoles.
  • An estimated 77% of American children play video games weekly on a console.

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The Latest Console Gaming Industry Statistics Explained

The Xbox One sold approximately 51 million units worldwide as of 2021.

The statistic that the Xbox One sold approximately 51 million units worldwide as of 2021 indicates the total number of units of the Xbox One console that have been purchased by consumers around the world up to that point in time. This figure serves as a measure of the console’s popularity and market penetration within the video game industry. By tracking sales data, companies and stakeholders can assess the success of the Xbox One in comparison to its competitors, evaluate the impact of marketing strategies, and make informed decisions regarding product development and future business endeavors.

The PlayStation 4 sold over 115 million units as of 2021.

The statistic that the PlayStation 4 sold over 115 million units as of 2021 indicates the significant popularity and success of this gaming console in the market. This figure represents the total number of units sold worldwide since the PlayStation 4 was first launched in 2013. The high sales volume showcases strong consumer demand for the product, highlighting its widespread adoption among gamers globally. This statistic is reflective of the PlayStation 4’s strong market position and its ability to capture a sizable share of the gaming console market over the years.

PS4 was the number one selling gaming console unit in 2020.

The statistic that “PS4 was the number one selling gaming console unit in 2020” indicates that the PlayStation 4 outsold all other gaming console units in terms of total units sold for the year 2020. This statistic highlights the popularity and demand for the PS4 compared to other gaming consoles on the market during that time period. Factors such as game exclusives, performance capabilities, pricing, and marketing strategies likely contributed to the PS4’s success in outselling its competitors. This information is valuable for industry analysts, market researchers, and gaming enthusiasts in understanding the trends and dynamics of the gaming console market.

The Nintendo Switch sold 28.83 million units in 2020.

The statistic, “The Nintendo Switch sold 28.83 million units in 2020,” indicates the total number of Nintendo Switch gaming consoles that were purchased by consumers during the year 2020. This figure represents the level of demand and popularity for the Nintendo Switch console in the market for that specific year. The high number of units sold suggests strong consumer interest in the product, potentially driven by factors such as popular game releases, effective marketing strategies, and the console’s innovative features. This statistic is valuable for assessing the performance and success of Nintendo in the gaming industry and provides insights into the company’s revenue and market position relative to competitors.

Pre-owned game sales generated $1.42 billion in revenue within the U.S. in 2021.

The statistic states that the sales of pre-owned games in the U.S. generated $1.42 billion in revenue in the year 2021. This figure represents the total amount of money earned from the resale of previously owned video games within the country. Pre-owned game sales refer to transactions where consumers purchase video games that have been owned and used by someone else before. The $1.42 billion revenue indicates the robust market for second-hand games, reflecting consumer interest in accessing affordable gaming options and the sustainability of the video game industry through the circulation of pre-owned products.

Console gaming is most popular among males aged 18-24 in 2021, with 41% reporting playing video games at least weekly.

The statistic indicates that in 2021, console gaming is predominantly favored by males aged 18-24, with 41% of individuals in this demographic reporting that they play video games at least weekly. This finding suggests a strong preference for console gaming among young adult males, highlighting their significant engagement with video games on this platform. The data implies that console gaming is a key form of entertainment and recreation for this specific group, likely driven by factors such as the appeal of popular game titles, social interactions within gaming communities, and advancements in gaming technology. This insight can be valuable for understanding consumer behavior within the video game industry and can inform marketing strategies and product development efforts targeted towards this demographic.

As of 2021, 26% of console gamers in the U.S. are aged between 18 to 24.

The statistic indicates that, as of 2021, approximately 26% of console gamers in the United States fall within the age range of 18 to 24. This suggests that a significant portion of console gamers in the U.S. belong to the young adult demographic, highlighting the popularity of gaming among individuals in this age group. The data reflects the demographic distribution of console gamers and can provide insights into various aspects such as marketing strategies, game development trends, and the gaming industry’s target audience. Understanding the age distribution of console gamers can be valuable for stakeholders in the gaming industry to tailor their products and services to the preferences and behaviors of this particular age group.

The number of game console users in the U.S. was forecast to reach 103.6 million users in 2021.

The statistic indicates that the number of game console users in the United States was predicted to reach 103.6 million by the end of 2021. This prediction likely results from analyzing historical trends, market data, consumer behaviors, and other relevant factors to estimate the expected growth in the user base. The increasing popularity of video gaming, advancements in technology, and the release of new gaming consoles may contribute to the projected rise in the number of users. This statistic is important for stakeholders in the gaming industry, including manufacturers, developers, and marketers, as it provides valuable insights for strategic planning, product development, and marketing strategies to capitalize on the growing user base and market opportunities.

In Europe, 18% of people between the ages of 6 and 64 own a PlayStation 4.

The statistic states that among the population aged between 6 and 64 in Europe, 18% of individuals own a PlayStation 4 gaming console. This insight provides information on the ownership prevalence of this specific gaming platform within the mentioned age group and geographical region. It suggests that a significant minority of individuals in Europe, encompassing various age segments, possess a PlayStation 4, indicating the popularity and market penetration of this gaming console in the region. This statistic could be useful for market researchers, gaming companies, and policymakers to understand consumer preferences, target specific demographics, and devise strategies related to gaming console sales, advertising, and regulations within the European market.

Video games represented 85.4% of the total revenue generated by the UK’s entertainment market in 2020.

The statistic “Video games represented 85.4% of the total revenue generated by the UK’s entertainment market in 2020” indicates that the video game industry was the dominant revenue generator within the UK entertainment market for that year. This suggests that video games were significantly more popular and profitable compared to other forms of entertainment such as movies, music, and live events. The high percentage of revenue attributed to video games highlights the cultural and economic significance of the gaming industry in the UK, showcasing the growing importance and influence of gaming as a major player in the entertainment sector.

The revenue from console games is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.3% from 2021 to 2028.

The statistic stating that the revenue from console games is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.3% from 2021 to 2028 indicates that the revenue generated from console games is predicted to experience steady and consistent growth over the stated time period. A compound annual growth rate of 9.3% implies that the revenue is projected to increase by an average of 9.3% each year from the base year of 2021 through to 2028. This growth rate suggests a positive trend in the demand and popularity of console games, potentially driven by factors such as technological advancements, increased consumer interest, and market expansion strategies. As such, this statistic can be valuable for industry stakeholders, investors, and decision-makers to assess the growth potential and profitability of the console gaming market.

In 2021, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War was the best-selling video game on consoles in the U.S.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2021, the video game ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’ achieved the highest sales numbers among all video game titles specifically targeting console platforms within the United States. This suggests that the game was able to attract a significant portion of the gaming market and generated substantial revenue compared to its competitors during that year. The title’s popularity and strong sales performance could be attributed to factors such as brand recognition, engaging gameplay, marketing efforts, and possibly positive reviews or word-of-mouth recommendations from players and critics alike.

Fortnite had over 350 million registered players as of May 2020 across all platforms, including consoles.

The statistic “Fortnite had over 350 million registered players as of May 2020 across all platforms, including consoles” highlights the significant reach and popularity of the popular online video game. The figure suggests that a vast number of individuals have created accounts to play Fortnite, indicating its widespread appeal and engagement within the gaming community. By surpassing the 350 million registered players milestone, Fortnite has established itself as a leading title in the gaming industry, attracting players across various platforms such as consoles, computers, and mobile devices. This statistic underscores the game’s success in maintaining a large and active player base, contributing to its status as a cultural phenomenon in the gaming world.

Less than 15% of PS4 and Xbox One games are cross-platform as of 2021.

The statistic indicates that as of 2021, a small proportion of games released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One gaming consoles are designed to be cross-platform, meaning they allow players on different platforms to play together. With less than 15% of games offering this feature, it suggests that the majority of titles on these consoles are limited to multiplayer interactions within the same platform. This may impact the gaming experience for players who prefer to play with friends who own a different console, as cross-platform games enable greater connectivity and accessibility across different gaming communities.

As of December 2020, at least 15% of PS5 and Xbox Series X games are optimized for next-gen consoles.

The statistic states that as of December 2020, at least 15% of the games available for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles have been specifically optimized to take advantage of the capabilities and features of the next-generation hardware. This optimization may include enhancements such as improved graphics, faster loading times, higher frame rates, and overall better performance compared to previous generation consoles. The percentage of optimized games suggests a gradual but ongoing trend towards more titles being designed to fully utilize the advanced technology of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, providing players with a more immersive and visually impressive gaming experience.

An estimated 77% of American children play video games weekly on a console.

The statistic stating that an estimated 77% of American children play video games weekly on a console indicates a high prevalence and regularity of gaming activity among this demographic. This suggests that video gaming is a popular form of entertainment and recreation for a significant majority of American children. With technology playing a prominent role in modern society, console gaming in particular appears to be a common leisure activity for young people in the United States. The statistic highlights the widespread engagement with video games among children and underscores the importance of considering the impact of gaming on their development and well-being.

Conclusion

The console gaming industry continues to thrive, with growing sales, increased global reach, and a diverse range of gaming options for players. As technology advances and new consoles are released, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. These statistics demonstrate the enduring popularity of console gaming and the bright future ahead for this dynamic sector.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.commonsensemedia.org

2. – https://www.gamerant.com

3. – https://www.screenrant.com

4. – https://www.www.gamesindustry.biz

5. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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