Global Lockdown Sees A Huge Increase In Console Sales

The world is in a strange place right now. Most of the globe is been advised to stay at home in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19. While the virus has forced many businesses and schools to close, the games industry has seen a huge increase in console sales across the world.

Console sales increased 155% during the first few weeks of March. This means that almost 260,000 units were sold during that period. This number represents sales for Xbox, the PS4 and the Nintendo Switch. The information comes to us thanks to the folks over at gamesindustry.biz. Follow the link to find out all the data connected not only to console sales but also for software sales. It’s an excellent and informative read and one well worth checking out.

The Numbers

In Italy, during their first week of lockdown, hardware sales rose by 84%. That figure only dropped by 1.8% in the second week. In Spain, sales jumped by 27.7% in their first week of lockdown and jumped again to 66.1% in the second week.

During France’s first week of lockdown console sales spiked by 140% week on week. In the UK, from March 9 to 15, sales surged by 126.6%. The following week UK sales increased further again by 250%. Australia also seen a massive growth in hardware sales. During the week March 9 to 15, we see a 19.6% increase in units sold. The following week this rose to 285.6%.

This is a very unusual situation for console sales, as we are only months away from the beginning of the next generation of hardware. Indeed, console sales have been extremely sluggish over the last few months. We just don’t normally see a huge increase in console sales in the final year of their lifespan. Most folks are usually saving their hard earned cash so they can buy the new machines as soon as they hit the market.

A Different World

But I suppose we are not living in normal times. Covid-19 has knocked the planet for six. It’s a scary time to be alive. The threat of contracting the virus and passing it on to our loved ones is very real. People are staying at home. Keeping yourself busy and entertained for weeks, if not months on end can represent a challenge.

This spike in sales might be because parents are buying consoles for their kids to keep them occupied. Or maybe it’s adults buying a console for the first time to try out a new hobby. It could also mean that some gamers are finally buying a second machine for themselves. You might have owned a PS4 for years and you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and purchase a Xbox One or Nintendo Switch. Whatever the reason for the sudden spike, it’s an added bonus for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo.

But what do you think folks, have you bought a console during this period for either yourself, your child, or as a gift for someone else? Please feel free to let me know in the comments below.

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