Japan Gaming Console Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The Japan gaming console market reached approximately USD 4.85 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.10% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 7.25 Billion by 2034.

Japan Gaming Console Market Growth

The robust gaming culture of Japan, the growing popularity of portable consoles, and the widespread availability of subscription services are some of the most influential drivers boosting the demand of Japan gaming console market. The rise of hybrid and portable consoles, like the Nintendo Switch, signifies a significant change in the gaming sector, as these consoles are specifically designed to meet the preferences of consumers who enjoy gaming on the go and in the comfort of their homes.

The popularity of subscription services such as PlayStation Plus and cloud gaming platforms is rising. These platforms allow gamers to access a wide range of games for a fixed monthly fee, which can contribute to the growing adoption ofgaming consolesas the preferred choice for entertainment.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are becoming prominent in the gaming sector as gaming consoles are now starting to integrate VR headsets and games to provide captivating gaming experiences that appeal to tech-savvy consumers.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Increased adoption of handheld consoles, growing trend of cloud games, new single and multiplayer game launches, as well as the evolving e-sports culture are accelerating the Japan gaming console market value.

May 2024

Japan-based multinational gaming console company, Nintendo, announced the release of its new Switch 2 console by the end of March 2025. While no additional details of the upcoming upgraded successor of the Nintendo consoles were shared with the announcements, gamers in Japan predicted the changes in the new model based on its predecessors Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite. The Switch had a unique design resembling a tablet and had two detachable buttons to enable the player's control. Besides, the console could be docked to enable the user to play on a television screen. Switch Lite was a more affordable version of the same.

February 2024

Nintendo released its latest financial results, whereby its Switch consoles range which include Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED, surpassed its DS range to become the best-selling gaming console in Japan. While the latter recorded a total sale of 32.98 million, the Nintendo Switch range exceeded this mark to reach an overall sales volume of 33.34 million. The company further estimated the sales to reach 141.12 million by the end of March 2024.

October 2023

Japanese gaming console company Sony announced the launch of Sony PS5 Slim. The tagline for the product read “Same Immersive Power, New Slimmer Size” indicating its slim design to be its main feature. The company stated that PS5 Slim was meant to address the evolving needs of the players. Compared to the traditional PS5 models, the volume of this new model was reduced by 30%. Moreover, instead of the typical two panels available in PS5 models, the slim model came with four cover panels, a disc drive that can be replaced in its digital version, and two USB Type C ports.

July 2021

Sony began taking orders for its new PS5 Digital Edition console, which weighed approximately 3.6 kgs, 300 grams less than the previous PS5 models. All other dimensions remained the same as the previous models. The new model also featured different ways of attaching a vertical stand to the system.

Increased Adoption of Handheld Consoles Propelling the Growth of the Japan Gaming Console Market

The preference for handheld consoles among Japanese gamers is increasing owing to several competitive advantages they offer. These include a compact and lightweight design, affordable cost, and the flexibility to play games anytime and anywhere. Realising their growing demand, key players are increasingly investing in their development and supply in the market. For instance, Japan-based global supplier of gaming consoles, Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. announced the release of the Project Q handheld device for the PlayStation 5 console by the end of 2023, featuring a controller with an 8-inch high-resolution LCD.

Cloud Games Becoming a Major Trend of Japan Gaming Console Market

Cloud games are a leading trend in Japanese gaming sector, encouraging industry leaders to develop consoles integrated with or supporting cloud gaming features. In the first half of 2021, Microsoft MSFT launched its cloud gaming service in Japan with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The service could easily be enabled in its newly launched series X and series S gaming console devices. With upcoming launches of cloud gaming services by other market players including Sony and Nintendo, the overall supply of cloud-enabled gaming consoles is expected to increase in the market.

New Single-Player and Multi-Player Game Launches Fuelling the Gaming Console Demand

In recent years, Japan has witnessed frequent launches of new single and multiplayer gaming franchises which require next-generation console devices for playing. This has increased the sales of popular gaming consoles such as Xbox, Nintendo, and PlayStation. For instance, the first console game based on the hit manga andanimeseries Spy x Family finally was released on Nintendo Switch in Japan in December 2023. In addition, the version also had 15 mini-games to play with multiplayer features.

Evolving Esports Culture Providing a Major Boost to the Japan Gaming Console Market Revenue

The rising e-sports and competitive gaming culture in Japan is raising the demand for high-end consoles that can support large-scale gaming events. These include Xbox, Nintendo and PlayStation series. Japan hosts multiple gaming events throughout the year which persuade gamers to participate with the best gaming consoles in the market, thereby increasing their sales volume and the overall revenue of the gaming console industry in Japan.

Japan Gaming Console Industry Segmentation

“Japan Gaming Console Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Home Consoles
• Handheld Consoles
• Hybrid Consoles
• Dedicated Consoles
• Others

Market Breakup by Platform

• PlayStation
• Xbox
• Wii
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Personal
• Commercial

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

Japan Gaming Console Market Share

Based on type, the market is divided into home consoles, handheld consoles, hybrid consoles, and dedicated consoles, among others. Hybrid consoles are gaining immense growth in the market as gamers can use them for traditional at-home gaming experiences or carry them on the go depending upon the requirement. Furthermore, the home console segment is expected to maintain its steady growth in the market due to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X which have a loyal following in the country.

Leading Companies in the Japan Gaming Console Market

The market players are readily offering exclusive titles to gain a competitive edge in the market.

• Sony Corporation
• Microsoft Corporation
• Nintendo Co., Ltd.
• Logitech International SA
• Atari Inc.
• Meta Platforms Technologies, Inc.
• Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Valve Corporation
• HTC Corporation
• ASUSTEK Computer Inc.
• Others