PC Gaming Revenue to Overtake Consoles
Analysts predict PC gaming revenue will overtake consoles by 2028, fueled by premium spending and new pricing strategies [https://gamesindustry.biz/pc-will-overtake-console-revenue-by-2028-says-newzoo]. However, memory shortages and rising component prices are still shaping the PC hardware landscape [https://tomshardware.com/desktops/gaming-pcs/idc-slashes-2026-pc-shipment-forecast-amid-memory-shortages-total-pc-market-value-to-nonetheless-increase-to-usd274-billion-due-to-ongoing-price-hikes]. IDC cut its 2026 PC market forecast, expecting an 11.6% shipment decline, though the total market value will still rise to $274 billion due to price hikes [https://tomshardware.com/desktops/gaming-pcs/idc-slashes-2026-pc-shipment-forecast-amid-memory-shortages-total-pc-market-value-to-nonetheless-increase-to-usd274-billion-due-to-ongoing-price-hikes].
Newzoo's forecast hinges on PC gaming's increasing reliance on premium game sales and in-game spending, which are expected to drive revenue growth despite potential hardware limitations. The firm predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4% for the PC gaming market between 2024 and 2028, ultimately surpassing console revenue. Memory shortages, particularly affecting DRAM and NAND flash memory, are impacting PC production costs and shipment volumes. These shortages are expected to persist into 2026, leading to higher prices for consumers and a decrease in overall PC shipments, according to IDC. Despite shipment declines, IDC anticipates the PC market's value will continue to rise due to elevated component prices, reaching $274 billion in 2026. This indicates a shift towards higher-end PCs and components, catering to gamers willing to invest in premium experiences.
