UK Video Game Market: February 2023

Key insights

5 slides

Market Performance

The UK games market saw significant growth in February 2023.

Total software sales reached 2.8 million units.

2.8 million units

Total console and PC game sales in February 2023.

increase year-over-year: 11%

Console Sales

PlayStation 5 sales surged over 300% in February 2023.

Easing supply chain constraints were a key factor.

Like a dam breaking, the easing of supply chain issues unleashed a flood of PS5 consoles.

PS5 Surge. PS5 sales surged over 300% in February 2023 compared to the previous year.

300%

Increase in PS5 sales in February 2023 compared to the previous year.

increase in overall console sales: 65%

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Summary

The UK video game market experienced a return to growth in February 2023, driven primarily by the strong performance of Hogwarts Legacy and a significant surge in PlayStation 5 hardware sales. Total software sales reached 2.8 million units, representing an 11% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth was largely attributed to the successful launch of Hogwarts Legacy, which outperformed the previous year’s major title, Elden Ring, by 100% in its opening week.

Hardware performance was a key factor in the market's recovery, with total console sales rising 65% year-over-year to 143,000 units. The PlayStation 5 was the primary driver, recording a 316% increase in sales compared to February 2022, as supply chain constraints eased. While Xbox Series S and X platforms saw a 21% month-over-month increase, the Nintendo Switch struggled, experiencing a 29% decline compared to the previous year.

The analysis utilizes GSD data for digital and physical software sales and GfK panel data for hardware and accessory metrics. The scope covers the UK market during February 2023. Beyond core software and hardware, the accessory market saw a 14.4% decline in volume, though the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller remained the top-selling peripheral. Additionally, the launch of the high-end DualSense Edge controller marked a notable entry into the premium accessory segment, ranking as the fourth-largest premium controller launch on record. The data highlights a market heavily influenced by major AAA releases and the stabilization of console supply chains.