Published: December 2025
Category: Tech Industry Developments
For years, the idea that video game consoles could fade away sounded unrealistic. Consoles have defined modern gaming for generations. However, recent sales trends suggest the market is under real pressure.
November figures show a sharp drop in demand for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles, and Nintendo’s Switch 2 across both the UK and the US. This period is reported to be one of the weakest for console sales in decades. That raises an uncomfortable question: are consoles still worth it for the average player?
One of the biggest changes is that consoles are no longer as simple or straightforward as they once were. Different console tiers and enhanced models have weakened the promise that every player gets the same experience. For long time users, this creates uncertainty around performance and longevity. For new buyers, it introduces confusion that consoles were originally designed to avoid.
At the same time, exclusivity, once a major reason to buy a console, is losing its impact. With many games now launching on PC as well, often with better performance options, the value of investing in expensive console hardware is harder to justify. If the games are not truly exclusive, the hardware becomes optional.
Price is another growing barrier. Consoles are becoming more expensive, games cost more, and accessories add up quickly. Subscription services now offer large game libraries for lower monthly costs, making traditional game purchases feel less appealing, particularly for younger players and families. Cheaper and simpler alternatives are starting to look more attractive.
For existing console users, this likely means longer console life cycles, fewer essential upgrades, and a stronger focus on digital ecosystems rather than raw hardware power. For potential new customers, the high entry cost and lack of clear advantages may push them towards PCs, handheld devices, or cloud based gaming instead.
Consoles are not disappearing overnight, but they are clearly losing their universal appeal. Unless manufacturers rethink pricing, accessibility, and what truly sets console gaming apart, the next generation may struggle to attract anyone beyond the most dedicated fans.
Author. Adigun Adedoye.