PC gaming declines while use of consoles like the PS5 Pro rises in one major EU market

Studies show that PC gaming is thriving worldwide, but not every country is experiencing that growth. Many readers took notice of a new German survey revealing that fewer gamers are using desktops and laptops. While PC use has declined by 20 percent compared to 2019, 29 percent more players are enjoying consoles. The Game.de article credits the longevity of the PlayStation and Switch systems. Also, the PS5 Pro is an increasingly appealing alternative to pricey PC builds.

YouGov Shopper projected countrywide data after asking 25,000 Germans about their gaming habits. From 2019 to 2024, the number of estimated PC gamers fell from 15.9 to 13.1 million. Meanwhile, during the same period, console users grew from 16.3 to 20.5 million. The survey doesn't track hardware or console sales, only what devices gamers prefer.

Although the Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017, followed by the PS5 in 2020, gamers remain loyal to these consoles. The statistics don't yet show the impact of the Switch 2, which has been a strong seller in many EU nations. Also, despite sales of Xbox consoles falling throughout Europe, it hasn't limited the popularity of these gaming systems.

The YouGov study didn't ask gamers why they are siding with Sony and Nintendo in the PC vs console war. Still, one popular theory revolves around the rising costs of assembling a gaming PC. In particular, the steep price of Nvidia and AMD GPUs makes the option less attractive. Critics were skeptical about the PS5 Pro launch MSRP, but it's now a more practical choice for many buyers. Unlike other PlayStation models, the PS5 Pro hasn't yet seen a price hike in Germany.

Statistics illustrate how PC gaming is gaining support in Asian countries, including China and Japan. However, if YouGov Shopper is correct, that trend isn't universal. The impact of mobile gaming also can't be ignored. In Germany, smartphone use is leading the way, although growth has been relatively flat over the past several years.