U.S. Console and PC Gamer Distinctions by Age and Gender

This IDC study summarizes video game console and PC gamer distinctions based on a survey, fielded toward the end of 2009, of approximately 2,000 U.S. gamers.

"American PC and console gamers are quite a diverse lot who exhibit a range of remarkable attitudes and preferences once you dig down a bit," says Lewis Ward, research manager of IDC's Consumer Markets: Gaming service. "The use of headsets and text chat while gaming is a strong indicator of elevated spending levels, for example, and despite the weak macroeconomic climate, most console gamers care significantly more about the game catalog and brand reputation than price when it comes to making new console buying decisions."