Console sales have been declining in Europe, with a 21% year-on-year drop. PS5 sales fell by 20%, Switch sales dropped by 15%, and Xbox Series X/S sales plummeted by 48%. The decline can be attributed to several factors.
Lack of console exclusives has led to people opting for PC gaming instead. With many games now available on multiple platforms, gamers are willing to wait for PC releases rather than purchasing a new console. Additionally, the rise of PC gaming offers flexibility and power that consoles cannot match.
Economic factors also play a significant role in the decline. Consoles and games are becoming increasingly expensive, while cost-of-living increases worldwide are making it difficult for people to afford them. The price of a PS5 Slim is already a third higher than rent in some regions.
However, Rockstar Games’ upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) may be able to boost console sales. Despite its delayed PC release, GTA 6’s cultural significance and massive hype could attract gamers who want to play it on launch day. The game’s exclusivity and high anticipation might encourage some to purchase a console despite the economic challenges.
However, it remains uncertain whether the hype surrounding GTA 6 can overcome the other factors contributing to declining console sales. A new console generation is likely necessary to revive console sales significantly. While GTA 6 will undoubtedly generate interest, it is just one game and may not be enough to make consoles more relevant in the market.
Source: https://www.thegamer.com/gta-6-revive-console-sales