As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to keep people indoors, console game sales have soared. With lockdowns in many countries, people are spending more time at home and are turning to console gaming for entertainment. Console makers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are seeing a surge in demand for their products and are reporting record sales figures.
Increase in Console Game Sales
Sony, the maker of the PlayStation 4, recently announced that they had sold more than 7.6 million consoles in the second quarter of 2020. This is an increase of 70% compared to the same period last year. Microsoft’s Xbox also reported an increase in console sales, with more than 4 million units sold in the second quarter of 2020. Nintendo’s Switch console also saw an increase in sales, with more than 4.5 million units sold in the same period.
Rise in Digital Game Downloads
The increase in console sales has been accompanied by a surge in digital game downloads. Sony reported that there was a 50% increase in digital downloads in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period last year. Microsoft reported a similar increase, with a 53% increase in digital downloads in the same period. Nintendo also reported an increase in digital downloads, with an 85% increase compared to the same period last year.
Growth in Online Gaming
The surge in console game sales has also been accompanied by an increase in online gaming. Sony’s PlayStation Network saw an increase in active users of 19% in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period last year. Microsoft’s Xbox Live also reported an increase in active users, with a 16% increase in the same period. Nintendo’s online gaming service, Nintendo Switch Online, also reported a 12% increase in active users in the same period.
Conclusion
The novel coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in console game sales as people stay home and look for entertainment options. Console makers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have reported record sales figures and digital downloads. The increase in console game sales has also been accompanied by an increase in online gaming. As the pandemic continues, it is likely that console game sales will remain strong.