PlayStation and Nintendo both reported 129 million active users in early 2026, a figure that underscores the resilience of the console gaming market despite the growing popularity of mobile platforms. The milestone comes as Nintendo capitalizes on the June 2025 launch of the Switch 2, which saw 3.5 million units sold in its first four days – a new company record – and reached 5.8 million units worldwide by late June 2025.
Whereas Sony’s PlayStation 5 continues to perform strongly, with lifetime shipments exceeding 75 million units as of February 2025, the competitive landscape is shifting. The console market is projected to reach USD 24.8 billion in 2025 and USD 28.9 billion by 2030, fueled by hardware upgrades and the expansion of subscription and digital services. Console software revenue is expected to grow at a 7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2027, outpacing the 2.6% growth rate for PC gaming.
Currently, PlayStation leads the console market with a 45% share, followed by Nintendo at 27% and Xbox at 23%, according to data from 2025. Yet, market share figures for individual companies reveal a more fragmented picture, with Sony holding 13% of the overall global gaming industry, closely followed by Microsoft and Nintendo, each with 12%. Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts capture 7% and 6% respectively, demonstrating the influence of major game publishers.
The launch of the Switch 2 is anticipated to significantly impact market dynamics. Nintendo expects to sell up to 15 million hardware units and 45 million software units by the complete of its fiscal year 2026. The updated console features enhanced display capabilities, improved performance, and 4K support, alongside redesigned Joy-Con controllers and a new kickstand.
The competitive pressure is also evident in the ongoing “console wars,” with each major player investing heavily in exclusive titles and subscription services. PlayStation Plus, Nintendo Switch Online, and Xbox Game Pass are becoming increasingly essential components of the console gaming experience, offering users access to a wide range of online content. As of late 2024, the Xbox Series X/S had sold 28.3 million units.
