The global PC and console gaming market is forecast for steady growth, with software revenues projected to rise from $82.4 billion in 2024 to $94.3 billion in 2026. This growth is driven by blockbuster game releases, hardware momentum, and higher pricing, though AI-driven demand for high-end memory chips may pressure console makers to increase prices further.
Key market dynamics include emerging markets boosting PC player growth at lower revenue per user, while mature markets lead console spending. The report predicts global PC gaming revenue will surpass console revenue by 2028, fueled by player expansion in Eastern Asia and engagement from younger generations.
Major industry players like Valve and Microsoft are also planning new hardware, with both announcing consoles that bridge access to PC game libraries.
Main topics: PC and console market growth forecasts, revenue drivers and regional trends, hardware cost pressures from AI chips, and new console announcements from Valve and Microsoft.
The global PC and console gaming sector is expected to steadily grow in the upcoming years, research firm Newzoo said on Thursday, despite AI-driven demand for high-end memory chips potentially driving up prices.
A âsurge â in global â artificial intelligence deployment is driving up demand for âhigh-end memory chips, pressuring console makers already battling tariff costs âto raise prices further.
Steam game marketplace owner Valve is planning to release a gaming console with access to PC â titles and âMicrosoft's Xbox unveiled plans for its own console aimed at Xbox and â PC games last week.
Newzoo's PC & Console âGaming Report 2026 forecasts PC and console âsoftware revenues to reach $88.3 billion in 2025 and $94.3 billion in 2026, compared to the $82.4 billion in 2024. Blockbuster releases, hardware momentum, higher premium or subscription pricing âare lifting console revenue, with limited player growth
Emerging markets are boosting âPC growth âat lower â average revenue per user (ARPU), while mature markets are leading in console spend. Global PC revenue should surpass âconsole by 2028, supported by Eastern-Asian-led player expansion and a growing Gen Z and Gen Alpha cohort that strengthens long-term engagement and ecosystem depth.
A âsurge â in global â artificial intelligence deployment is driving up demand for âhigh-end memory chips, pressuring console makers already battling tariff costs âto raise prices further.
Steam game marketplace owner Valve is planning to release a gaming console with access to PC â titles and âMicrosoft's Xbox unveiled plans for its own console aimed at Xbox and â PC games last week.
Newzoo's PC & Console âGaming Report 2026 forecasts PC and console âsoftware revenues to reach $88.3 billion in 2025 and $94.3 billion in 2026, compared to the $82.4 billion in 2024. Blockbuster releases, hardware momentum, higher premium or subscription pricing âare lifting console revenue, with limited player growth
Emerging markets are boosting âPC growth âat lower â average revenue per user (ARPU), while mature markets are leading in console spend. Global PC revenue should surpass âconsole by 2028, supported by Eastern-Asian-led player expansion and a growing Gen Z and Gen Alpha cohort that strengthens long-term engagement and ecosystem depth.
Meridiano
