PC, console gaming to grow despite AI-driven chip crunch, research shows

The global PC and console gaming sector is expected to steadily grow in the upcoming years, research firm Newzoo said on Thursday, despite AI-driven demand for high-end memory chips potentially driving up prices.

A ‌surge ⁠in global ⁠artificial intelligence deployment is driving up demand for ​high-end memory chips, pressuring console makers already battling tariff costs ​to raise prices further.

Steam game marketplace owner Valve is planning to release a gaming console with access to PC ⁠titles and ‌Microsoft's Xbox unveiled plans for its own console aimed at Xbox and ⁠PC games last week.


Newzoo's PC & Console ​Gaming Report 2026 forecasts PC and console ​software revenues to reach $88.3 billion in 2025 and $94.3 billion in 2026, compared to the $82.4 billion in 2024. Blockbuster releases, hardware momentum, higher premium or subscription pricing ‌are lifting console revenue, with limited player growth

Emerging markets are boosting ​PC growth ​at lower ⁠average revenue per user (ARPU), while mature markets are leading in console spend. Global PC revenue should surpass ​console by 2028, supported by Eastern-Asian-led player expansion and a growing Gen Z and Gen Alpha cohort that strengthens long-term engagement and ecosystem depth.