PC, console gaming to grow despite AI-driven chip crunch, research shows
March 12 (Reuters) - 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 surge in global artificial intelligence deployment is driving up demand for high-end memory chips, pressuring console makers already battling tariff costs to raise prices further.
Steam game marketplace owner Valve is planning to release a gaming console with access to PC titles and Microsoft's MSFT.O Xbox unveiled plans for its own console aimed at Xbox and PC games last week.
Newzoo's PC & Console Gaming Report 2026 forecasts PC and console software 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 are lifting console revenue, with limited player growth
Emerging markets are boosting PC growth at lower average revenue per user (ARPU), while mature markets are leading in console spend
Global PC revenue should surpass console 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
