PS5, EA Sports FC 26 and Hogwarts Legacy Top Europe’s Black Friday Sales

The European video game market experienced a significant surge in activity during the 2025 Black Friday sales week, characterized by strong hardware performance and consistent software demand despite a lack of new releases. The analysis, which utilizes GSD data for software and NielsenIQ insights for UK hardware, highlights a market driven primarily by aggressive discounting on established platforms and evergreen software titles.

In the software sector, EA Sports FC 26 maintained the top position in both unit sales and revenue across Europe. Hogwarts Legacy demonstrated notable momentum, rising to second place in unit sales, while Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 slipped to third. The top 20 charts were dominated by older titles, reflecting a trend where established games benefited most from holiday promotional pricing.

Hardware performance in the UK was particularly robust, with console revenue increasing by 14% and unit sales by 7% compared to the previous year. The PlayStation 5 emerged as the primary market driver, securing a 62% market share and achieving a 16% year-over-year increase in unit sales. This growth was fueled by significant price reductions, including an all-time low for the PS5 Pro. Conversely, the Nintendo Switch 2 captured 23% of the market, while Xbox consoles accounted for 10%.

While console hardware thrived, the accessories segment faced a downturn, with revenue falling 17% due to decreased demand for joypads and headsets. VR hardware remained a notable category, with the Meta Quest 3S reaching a new low price point and achieving its strongest sales week since launch. Overall, the data indicates that consumers prioritized high-value console upgrades over peripheral purchases during the 2025 promotional period.