Saudi Arabia Gaming Consoles & Accessories Retail Market Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities, Competitive Landscape & Forecast 2025-2030

Saudi Arabia Gaming Consoles & Accessories Retail Market valued at USD 1.2 Bn, driven by youth gaming culture, e-sports, and tech advancements, with growth in key cities like Riyadh.

The Saudi Arabia Gaming Consoles & Accessories Retail Market is valued at USD 1.2 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing popularity of gaming among the youth, advancements in technology, and the rise of e-sports. The market has seen a surge in demand for both consoles and accessories, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards interactive entertainment.

Key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam dominate the market due to their large populations and urbanization. These cities have a vibrant gaming culture, supported by a growing number of gaming cafes and events. The concentration of retail outlets and online platforms in these urban areas further enhances accessibility for consumers, driving market growth.

In 2023, the Saudi Arabian government implemented regulations to promote the gaming industry, including tax incentives for local game developers and retailers. This initiative aims to foster innovation and attract foreign investment, positioning Saudi Arabia as a competitive player in the global gaming market.

Saudi Arabia Gaming Consoles & Accessories Retail Market Segmentation

By Type:

The market is segmented into various types, including home consoles, handheld consoles, accessories, gaming subscriptions, digital downloads, merchandise, and others. Among these, home consoles are the most dominant segment, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality gaming experiences at home. The popularity of gaming subscriptions and digital downloads is also on the rise, reflecting changing consumer preferences towards convenience and accessibility.

By End-User:

The end-user segmentation includes individual gamers, families, educational institutions, gaming cafes, corporate entities, and others. Individual gamers represent the largest segment, driven by the increasing number of young adults and teenagers engaging in gaming as a primary form of entertainment. Families are also becoming significant consumers, as gaming is increasingly viewed as a family-friendly activity.

Saudi Arabia Gaming Consoles & Accessories Retail Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Gaming Consoles & Accessories Retail Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft Corporation, Nintendo Co., Ltd., Electronic Arts Inc., Activision Blizzard, Inc., Ubisoft Entertainment S.A., Sega Sammy Holdings Inc., Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., Razer Inc., Logitech International S.A., Corsair Gaming, Inc., HyperX (Kingston Technology Company, Inc.), SteelSeries ApS, MSI (Micro-Star International Co., Ltd.), ASUS Computer International contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Saudi Arabia Gaming Consoles & Accessories Retail Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Youth Population and Gaming Culture:

Saudi Arabia has a youthful demographic, with approximately 50% of its population under the age of 30, translating to around 15 million individuals. This demographic is increasingly engaged in gaming, with the gaming market projected to reach $1.5 billion in future. The cultural acceptance of gaming as a mainstream entertainment form is driving demand for consoles and accessories, fostering a vibrant gaming community that supports retail growth.

Rise in Disposable Income and Consumer Spending:

The World Bank estimates that Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita will reach $25,000 in future, reflecting a significant increase in disposable income. This economic growth enables consumers to spend more on entertainment, including gaming consoles and accessories. As consumer spending rises, the demand for high-quality gaming products is expected to increase, further stimulating the retail market in the region.

Expansion of eSports and Competitive Gaming:

The eSports industry in Saudi Arabia is rapidly growing, with an estimated market value of $1.5 billion in future. The government is actively promoting eSports through initiatives like the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sports. This expansion is driving interest in gaming consoles and accessories, as more players seek to participate in competitive gaming, thus enhancing retail opportunities in the market.

Market Challenges

High Import Tariffs on Gaming Consoles:

Saudi Arabia imposes import tariffs of up to 20% on gaming consoles, significantly increasing retail prices. This high cost can deter consumers from purchasing consoles, leading to reduced sales for retailers. The financial burden of these tariffs limits market accessibility, particularly for lower-income consumers, thereby constraining overall market growth in the gaming sector.

Intense Competition from Mobile Gaming:

The mobile gaming sector in Saudi Arabia is thriving, with over 70% of gamers preferring mobile platforms due to their accessibility and lower costs. This trend poses a significant challenge to the gaming console market, as consumers may opt for mobile games instead of investing in consoles. The competition from mobile gaming is likely to hinder the growth of traditional gaming retail channels in the region.

Saudi Arabia Gaming Consoles & Accessories Retail Market Future Outlook

The future of the gaming consoles and accessories retail market in Saudi Arabia appears promising, driven by technological advancements and a growing gaming culture. As the youth population continues to embrace gaming, the demand for innovative products will likely increase. Additionally, the government's support for local game development and eSports initiatives will create a conducive environment for market expansion, fostering partnerships and enhancing consumer engagement in the gaming ecosystem.

Market Opportunities

Development of Local Gaming Content:

There is a significant opportunity for local game developers to create culturally relevant content. With the government's support, local gaming studios can tap into the growing demand for unique gaming experiences, potentially increasing market share and consumer loyalty within the region.

Expansion of Retail Channels and E-commerce:

The rise of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia, projected to reach $15 billion in future, presents a valuable opportunity for gaming retailers. By enhancing online sales platforms and integrating digital marketing strategies, retailers can effectively reach a broader audience, driving sales and improving customer engagement in the gaming sector.