Gaming Down Under: Australia's Favorite Device

what is the most popular gaming device in australia

Australia's gaming market is significant, with a value of $4.21 billion in 2022. Consoles remain the most popular gaming devices in Australia, with 70% of gamers choosing to play on consoles compared to 50% on mobile devices. Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox are the most popular consoles, with the PS4 used by 17% of Australian gamers and the PS5 by 5%. The Nintendo Switch is also popular, with 12% of Australian gamers using it. Mobile gaming is growing in Australia, with smartphone market growth predicted at a rate of 1.60% from 2024 to 2032.

Characteristics Values
Market Size Valued at AUD 4.21 billion in 2022
Market Growth 7.6% CAGR during 2025-2033
Market Drivers Rising smartphone penetration, advancements in internet connectivity, popularity of esports, integration of cloud computing, AI, and immersive technologies
Popular Devices Consoles (70%), Mobile Devices (50%), PCs, Tablets, Smart TVs
Popular Games The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Hogwarts Legacy, Mario Kart 8, Grand Theft Auto V
Popular Platforms PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Gaming Hubs Sydney, Melbourne, Victoria
Popular Gaming Laptops Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, Acer, Asus, HP, MSI

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Consoles vs mobile devices

The video game industry in Australia is worth $4.21 billion annually as of 2022, with around 70% of gamers choosing to play on a console and just over 50% using their mobile devices. This is despite the global growth of the mobile games market, which has seen smaller Australian game developers find success with mobile games such as Fruit Ninja, Crossy Road, and Framed. The popularity of mobile gaming is driven by rising smartphone penetration, advancements in internet connectivity, and the popularity of e-sports. Mobile games also broaden the market beyond conventional gaming demographics, appealing to casual players with hyper-casual games that have straightforward principles.

Consoles still remain the most popular gaming devices in Australia, with the Sony PS4 and Nintendo Switch being popular options across markets. Just under a fifth of Australian gamers who play video games for at least 30 minutes weekly use the PS4, with the Nintendo Switch being used by just over a tenth of gamers. The popularity of high-performance devices like the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch is making console gaming a significant portion of the Australian gaming market.

In terms of games themselves, the biggest-selling titles in Australia are not always the latest releases. For example, Mario Kart 8, originally released in 2014, remains a big-selling game. Similarly, Grand Theft Auto V, originally released in 2013, remains near the top of sales charts. In the past, Pokémon games were among the top-selling games in Australia, with the series selling over 1.6 million units by 2002.

While mobile gaming is growing in popularity, consoles still offer a unique gaming experience that Australians prefer. The high-performance capabilities of consoles, as well as the social interactions and immersive experiences they offer through e-sports and multiplayer platforms, make them an attractive option for gamers. Additionally, the need to purchase hardware to play games has contributed to the popularity of consoles in Australia.

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Sony PS4

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was announced as the successor to the PlayStation 3 in February 2013 and was launched in North America, Europe, South America, and Australia on November 29, 2013. The PS4 is a popular gaming device in Australia, with just under a fifth of Australian gamers who play video games for at least 30 minutes weekly using the console.

The PS4 offers incredible games and non-stop entertainment, including PlayStation exclusive games, online play, and parental controls for younger gamers. It also provides access to streaming services, allowing users to watch movies, TV shows, and listen to music. With 1TB of storage, users can store their games, apps, screenshots, and videos on the console, which is available in various colours, including Jet Black.

The PS4 also supports virtual reality gaming and entertainment through the PlayStation VR headset. Users can connect the headset to their console and immerse themselves in virtual reality games, experiences, and entertainment. The PS4 has an iconic design, intuitive controls, and a vibrant array of colours to choose from.

In terms of performance, the PS4 features an APU from AMD built upon the x86-64 architecture, which can theoretically peak at 1.84 teraflops. AMD stated that it was the "most powerful" APU it had developed at the time. The PS4 also places a strong emphasis on social interaction and integration with other devices and services. Users can play games off-console on supported devices, stream gameplay online, and share their adventures with friends via Twitch and YouTube.

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Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a popular gaming device in Australia. In 2021, it was the best-selling console by units sold, despite the availability of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles. The Nintendo Switch maintained its position as the best-selling console in Australia in 2022.

The Nintendo Switch's popularity in Australia can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the console offers a unique hybrid design, allowing gamers to play on a television or as a handheld device. This versatility appeals to those who want a flexible gaming experience. Secondly, the Nintendo Switch has a diverse game library that caters to a wide range of audiences, from family-friendly titles like "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" and "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" to more core gaming experiences such as "Minecraft Switch Edition". Nintendo is known for its strong first-party franchises, which have a dedicated fan base in Australia and worldwide.

In addition, the Nintendo Switch has seen strong support from independent developers, resulting in a vast array of game choices that cater to different tastes and preferences. The console's online services, such as the Nintendo Switch Online subscription, also offer access to classic Nintendo games and online multiplayer functionality, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

The Nintendo Switch has also benefited from effective marketing and word-of-mouth recommendations within the gaming community. Nintendo has a strong brand presence in Australia, and positive reviews from gamers and influencers have likely contributed to its popularity. Furthermore, the timing of its release, coinciding with the pandemic, may have played a role in its success. With people spending more time at home, the Nintendo Switch offered an engaging form of entertainment for individuals and families alike.

Overall, the Nintendo Switch has resonated with Australian gamers due to its versatility, extensive game library, and strong brand presence. Its success in the Australian market highlights Nintendo's ability to cater to diverse gaming preferences and reinforce its position as a leading gaming device provider.

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Xbox Series X/S

Consoles are the most popular gaming devices in Australia, with around 70% of gamers choosing to play on them, compared to just over 50% who use mobile devices. While the Sony PS4 and Nintendo Switch are popular console options across markets, Xbox Series X and Series S are also popular gaming devices in Australia. Released side-by-side in late 2020, the Xbox Series X and Series S cumulatively account for 3% of Aussie gamers.

The Xbox Series X and Series S offer a range of features and capabilities that enhance the gaming experience. One notable feature is the Storage Expansion Cards, which provide additional game storage while maintaining the same performance as the console's custom SSD. When paired with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, gamers gain access to an extensive library of games, online multiplayer features, EA Play, and Day One releases. The Xbox Series X and Series S also offer access to hundreds of apps and services, including streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Video, and Disney+.

In terms of market share, the Xbox Series X and Series S have seen similar adoption rates in Australia and the US. In the US, the Series X accounts for 4% of the market, while the Series S accounts for 3%. However, it is important to note that global chip shortages may have impacted the sales of these latest models.

Despite the popularity of digital sales, the Australian gaming market still relies on the purchase of gaming hardware. This trend is reflected in the growth of gaming hardware sales, which peaked in 2022 at just over 600 million AUD. The Xbox Series X and Series S, with their advanced features and access to a wide range of games and entertainment apps, are well-positioned to cater to the preferences of Australian gamers.

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Gaming PCs

In Australia, consoles are the most popular gaming devices, with around 70% of gamers choosing to play on them. Sony's PS4 and Nintendo Switch are the most popular options, with 17% and 12% of the market share, respectively. Sony's PS5 is also gaining traction, with 5% of Australian gamers using it monthly.

When it comes to gaming PCs in Australia, there are several options available, from custom-built to prebuilt machines. Custom-built PCs allow gamers to handpick each component, ensuring a personalised gaming experience. However, this option requires research, technical knowledge, and time. Prebuilt gaming PCs, on the other hand, offer convenience and affordability. They are ready to use out of the box and can provide excellent performance and value for money.

Several companies in Australia offer high-performance gaming PCs, including Aftershock PC, Allied Computers, and Scorptec Computers. Aftershock PC allows customers to craft their dream gaming PC, offering top-of-the-line performance with smooth frame rates. Allied Computers provides a range of gaming PCs, such as the Allied Stinger and Allied Patriot, which offer powerful processors, high-end graphics cards, and ample RAM for smooth gaming experiences. Scorptec Computers also offers prebuilt gaming PCs with industry-leading support and warranties. They also provide advice on peripherals and accessories to enhance your gaming setup.

When choosing a gaming PC, it's important to consider factors such as budget, desired graphics quality, frame rates, and technical expertise. A powerful graphics card (GPU), capable processor (CPU), sufficient RAM, and fast storage solutions like SSDs are essential components for a top-notch gaming experience. Additionally, the GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards are popular for their performance and support for features like ray tracing and DLSS.

With the right combination of components and customisation options, gamers in Australia can find the perfect gaming PC to suit their needs and budgets, ensuring a seamless and immersive gaming journey.

Frequently asked questions

Consoles are the most popular gaming devices in Australia, with around 70% of gamers choosing to play on consoles compared to just over 50% on mobile devices. The PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch are the most popular consoles, with 17% and 12% of the market share respectively.

Pokémon games were the best-selling games in Australia between 1999 and 2002, with over 1.6 million units sold by 2002. In 2005, the top three games by units sold were Gran Turismo 4, GTA: San Andreas and Pokémon Emerald. More recently, Grand Theft Auto V and Mario Kart 8 have remained popular, appearing near the top of sales charts despite being released in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

The gaming market in Australia was valued at 2.5 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to grow. The industry was worth 4.21 billion Australian dollars in 2022, inclusive of traditional retail and digital sales.

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