
Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Outlook - Forecast Trends, Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)
Description
The Middle East and Africa gaming console market reached approximately USD 1.43 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.40% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 2.42 Billion by 2034.
Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Growth
Thegaming console marketis being positively shaped due to rapid technological innovation and progress, the rise of a tech-literate middle class, increasing internet penetration, and concerted efforts to lower the cost and make gaming consoles more accessible in the region.
Moreover, the Middle East region is transforming into a gaming and e-sports hub, with an active base of gamers supported by the government’s efforts to promote tourism. As per the Middle East and Africa gaming console market analysis, Africa will likely become one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally, providing lots of business and employment opportunities for the continent’s increasing young population. For instance, True Gamers Lounge has been set up in Jeddah to provide a dynamic experience and attract other market players. It is also fueled by the trend of mobile gamers transitioning to console gaming for a more robust experience. The company has also established partnerships with industry leaders like Logitech and BenQ to cater to the Saudi market, in order to provide latest technology for an unparalleled gaming experience.
Also, prominent players strive to encourage local game developers and integrate cultural influences within consoles to provide personalised gameplay. For instance, Microsoft, in June 2024, announced the launch of second Xbox Game Camp in the African continent on the 16th-17th of July to harness the burgeoning popularity of gaming console. Additionally, rapid adoption of advanced technologies by gamers such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud gaming, and augmented reality (AR), among others, also indicates a favorable outlook for expanding the market.
Key Trends and Recent Developments
Increasing popularity of handheld devices, preference for online cloud games, and rising e-sports culture are the key trends increasing the Middle East and Africa gaming console market value.
September 2024
Sony, a leading gaming console brand, launched its new PS5 Pro console globally, including in the Middle East and Africa region. The new console came with improved features when compared to its predecessor PS5. For instance, it featured a GPU with 67% more compute units and 28% faster RAM than the base PS5. Besides, it was integrated with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which enabled AI upscaling to provide higher and clearer picture quality.
June 2024
Microsoft, one of the largest distributors of gaming consoles in Africa launched a new all-digital version of its Xbox Series X and S consoles at its annual Xbox Games Showcase. As part of the series, Microsoft showed off three gaming consoles including a disc-less version of the Xbox Series X and S consoles and a special edition of the Series X with 2 terabytes of storage. Besides, they came with integrated games, a few of which included, Doom: The Dark Ages and Gears of War.
April 2024
MSI, a well-known gaming console brand globally, announced the launch of its first PC gaming handheld console, the MSI Claw, in the Middle East. As a Windows-based handheld device designed to play PC games, it featured a 7 1080p 120Hz display, off-set joystick controller, HyperFlow cooling system, WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and a high capacity 53Wh battery for longer playtime.
January 2024
Global gaming console industry leader, Sony, invested a significant amount in African video gaming startup company Carry1st based in Cape Town, South Africa. The funds were granted by the Sony Innovation Fund venture. The investment is expected to bring a range of commercial opportunities for Sony such as the expansion of PlayStation’s footprint in Africa.
Rising Disposable Income Creating New Gaming Console Demand in Middle East and Africa
The US Energy Administration forecasted a 1% growth in per capita disposable income in the entire Middle East and Africa region between 2022 and 2050, with the former accounting for 0.8% of the total growth and the latter accounting for 1.3%. This is expected to fuel the demand for high-end, and luxurious entertainment products such as gaming consoles, especially preferred by the tech-savvy youth population in Gulf countries such as UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Increasing Popularity of Handheld Devices Propelling the Growth of Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market
Handheld console devices are the highest-selling segment of the gaming console market in the region, owing to their flexibility and convenience of use. They are mostly available in lightweight and compact design, which makes them easy to carry to different places and play games while travelling or in outdoor settings. Moreover, they can easily be attached to small devices such as smartphones and tablets without the need for any extensive hardware installation. To meet their growing demand, key market players are launching their best handheld console products in the region. For instance, Asus announced the launch of the ROG Ally, a fully-fledged Windows 11 gaming handheld console device in UAE in June 2023.
Preference for Online Cloud Games Creating New Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Opportunities
According to the World Bank, internet penetration in the region grew by 2% between 2022 and 2023, indicating internet use by 78% of the population by the end of this period. This is creating new market opportunities for consoles that support cloud-based online games. Additionally, they are being preferred over traditional consoles as they are cost-effective and do not require a huge hardware installation for their operations.
Rising E-Sports Culture Leading to Gaming Console Demand Growth
The rising e-sports culture in the Middle East and Africa is providing a major boost to the gaming console market as professionals and casual gamers who participate in these events require high-end, efficient consoles with large storage capacity for smooth operations. One of the largest competitive gaming events held in the region is the annual “Dubai Esports and Games Festival” which attracted more than 26,000 visitors and 75,000 gaming enthusiasts from across the world. This year, the festival is expected to witness a further rise in these numbers, leading to increased sales of gaming consoles in the far and wide Middle East.
Middle East and Africa Console Industry Segmentation
“Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Type
Home Consoles
Handheld Consoles
Hybrid Consoles
Dedicated Consoles
Others
Market Breakup by Platform
PlayStation
Xbox
Wii
Others
Market Breakup by End Use
Personal
Commercial
Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
Online
Offline
Market Breakup by Country
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Nigeria
South Africa
Others
Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Share
Based on country, the market is segmented into Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and South Africa. Saudi Arabia holds the largest market share in the region owing to the increasing number of initiatives by the government and a rising number of active gamers including females. For instance, Vision 2030 aims to transform Saudi Arabia into the go-to gaming destination for gamers all around the globe. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to have 3000 gaming jobs, 250 gaming firms and studios operating within its borders, and rank among the top three countries in the world for professional gamers and release a AAA blockbuster game. Additionally, Riyadh will host the e-sports World Cup from 4th July to 5th August 2024 in a bid to attract investors and propel the growth of the gaming industry.
Competitive Landscape
The market players are continuously developing new technologies to create an immersive and thrilling user experience.
Sony Corporation
Microsoft Corporation
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Logitech International SA
Atari Inc.
Meta Platforms Technologies, Inc.
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
Valve Corporation
HTC Corporation
ASUSTEK Computer Inc.
Others
Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Growth
Thegaming console marketis being positively shaped due to rapid technological innovation and progress, the rise of a tech-literate middle class, increasing internet penetration, and concerted efforts to lower the cost and make gaming consoles more accessible in the region.
Moreover, the Middle East region is transforming into a gaming and e-sports hub, with an active base of gamers supported by the government’s efforts to promote tourism. As per the Middle East and Africa gaming console market analysis, Africa will likely become one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally, providing lots of business and employment opportunities for the continent’s increasing young population. For instance, True Gamers Lounge has been set up in Jeddah to provide a dynamic experience and attract other market players. It is also fueled by the trend of mobile gamers transitioning to console gaming for a more robust experience. The company has also established partnerships with industry leaders like Logitech and BenQ to cater to the Saudi market, in order to provide latest technology for an unparalleled gaming experience.
Also, prominent players strive to encourage local game developers and integrate cultural influences within consoles to provide personalised gameplay. For instance, Microsoft, in June 2024, announced the launch of second Xbox Game Camp in the African continent on the 16th-17th of July to harness the burgeoning popularity of gaming console. Additionally, rapid adoption of advanced technologies by gamers such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud gaming, and augmented reality (AR), among others, also indicates a favorable outlook for expanding the market.
Key Trends and Recent Developments
Increasing popularity of handheld devices, preference for online cloud games, and rising e-sports culture are the key trends increasing the Middle East and Africa gaming console market value.
September 2024
Sony, a leading gaming console brand, launched its new PS5 Pro console globally, including in the Middle East and Africa region. The new console came with improved features when compared to its predecessor PS5. For instance, it featured a GPU with 67% more compute units and 28% faster RAM than the base PS5. Besides, it was integrated with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which enabled AI upscaling to provide higher and clearer picture quality.
June 2024
Microsoft, one of the largest distributors of gaming consoles in Africa launched a new all-digital version of its Xbox Series X and S consoles at its annual Xbox Games Showcase. As part of the series, Microsoft showed off three gaming consoles including a disc-less version of the Xbox Series X and S consoles and a special edition of the Series X with 2 terabytes of storage. Besides, they came with integrated games, a few of which included, Doom: The Dark Ages and Gears of War.
April 2024
MSI, a well-known gaming console brand globally, announced the launch of its first PC gaming handheld console, the MSI Claw, in the Middle East. As a Windows-based handheld device designed to play PC games, it featured a 7 1080p 120Hz display, off-set joystick controller, HyperFlow cooling system, WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and a high capacity 53Wh battery for longer playtime.
January 2024
Global gaming console industry leader, Sony, invested a significant amount in African video gaming startup company Carry1st based in Cape Town, South Africa. The funds were granted by the Sony Innovation Fund venture. The investment is expected to bring a range of commercial opportunities for Sony such as the expansion of PlayStation’s footprint in Africa.
Rising Disposable Income Creating New Gaming Console Demand in Middle East and Africa
The US Energy Administration forecasted a 1% growth in per capita disposable income in the entire Middle East and Africa region between 2022 and 2050, with the former accounting for 0.8% of the total growth and the latter accounting for 1.3%. This is expected to fuel the demand for high-end, and luxurious entertainment products such as gaming consoles, especially preferred by the tech-savvy youth population in Gulf countries such as UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Increasing Popularity of Handheld Devices Propelling the Growth of Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market
Handheld console devices are the highest-selling segment of the gaming console market in the region, owing to their flexibility and convenience of use. They are mostly available in lightweight and compact design, which makes them easy to carry to different places and play games while travelling or in outdoor settings. Moreover, they can easily be attached to small devices such as smartphones and tablets without the need for any extensive hardware installation. To meet their growing demand, key market players are launching their best handheld console products in the region. For instance, Asus announced the launch of the ROG Ally, a fully-fledged Windows 11 gaming handheld console device in UAE in June 2023.
Preference for Online Cloud Games Creating New Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Opportunities
According to the World Bank, internet penetration in the region grew by 2% between 2022 and 2023, indicating internet use by 78% of the population by the end of this period. This is creating new market opportunities for consoles that support cloud-based online games. Additionally, they are being preferred over traditional consoles as they are cost-effective and do not require a huge hardware installation for their operations.
Rising E-Sports Culture Leading to Gaming Console Demand Growth
The rising e-sports culture in the Middle East and Africa is providing a major boost to the gaming console market as professionals and casual gamers who participate in these events require high-end, efficient consoles with large storage capacity for smooth operations. One of the largest competitive gaming events held in the region is the annual “Dubai Esports and Games Festival” which attracted more than 26,000 visitors and 75,000 gaming enthusiasts from across the world. This year, the festival is expected to witness a further rise in these numbers, leading to increased sales of gaming consoles in the far and wide Middle East.
Middle East and Africa Console Industry Segmentation
“Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Type
Home Consoles
Handheld Consoles
Hybrid Consoles
Dedicated Consoles
Others
Market Breakup by Platform
PlayStation
Xbox
Wii
Others
Market Breakup by End Use
Personal
Commercial
Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
Online
Offline
Market Breakup by Country
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Nigeria
South Africa
Others
Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Share
Based on country, the market is segmented into Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and South Africa. Saudi Arabia holds the largest market share in the region owing to the increasing number of initiatives by the government and a rising number of active gamers including females. For instance, Vision 2030 aims to transform Saudi Arabia into the go-to gaming destination for gamers all around the globe. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to have 3000 gaming jobs, 250 gaming firms and studios operating within its borders, and rank among the top three countries in the world for professional gamers and release a AAA blockbuster game. Additionally, Riyadh will host the e-sports World Cup from 4th July to 5th August 2024 in a bid to attract investors and propel the growth of the gaming industry.
Competitive Landscape
The market players are continuously developing new technologies to create an immersive and thrilling user experience.
Sony Corporation
Microsoft Corporation
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Logitech International SA
Atari Inc.
Meta Platforms Technologies, Inc.
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
Valve Corporation
HTC Corporation
ASUSTEK Computer Inc.
Others
Table of Contents
110 Pages
- 1 Executive Summary
- 1.1 Market Size 2024-2025
- 1.2 Market Growth 2025(F)-2034(F)
- 1.3 Key Demand Drivers
- 1.4 Key Players and Competitive Structure
- 1.5 Industry Best Practices
- 1.6 Recent Trends and Developments
- 1.7 Industry Outlook
- 2 Market Overview and Stakeholder Insights
- 2.1 Market Trends
- 2.2 Key Verticals
- 2.3 Key Countries
- 2.4 Supplier Power
- 2.5 Buyer Power
- 2.6 Key Market Opportunities and Risks
- 2.7 Key Initiatives by Stakeholders
- 3 Economic Summary
- 3.1 GDP Outlook
- 3.2 GDP Per Capita Growth
- 3.3 Inflation Trends
- 3.4 Democracy Index
- 3.5 Gross Public Debt Ratios
- 3.6 Balance of Payment (BoP) Position
- 3.7 Population Outlook
- 3.8 Urbanisation Trends
- 4 Country Risk Profiles
- 4.1 Country Risk
- 4.2 Business Climate
- 5 Global Gaming Console Market Overview
- 5.1 Key Industry Highlights
- 5.2 Global Gaming Console Historical Market (2018-2024)
- 5.3 Global Gaming Console Market Forecast (2025-2034)
- 5.4 Global Gaming Console Market Breakup by Region
- 5.4.1 North America
- 5.4.2 Middle East and Africa
- 5.4.3 Middle East and Africa
- 5.4.4 Latin America
- 5.4.5 Middle East and Africa
- 6 Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Overview
- 6.1 Key Industry Highlights
- 6.2 Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Historical Market (2018-2024)
- 6.3 Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market Forecast (2025-2034)
- 7 Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market by Type
- 7.1 Home Consoles
- 7.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 7.1.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 7.2 Handheld Consoles
- 7.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 7.2.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 7.3 Hybrid Consoles
- 7.3.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 7.3.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 7.4 Dedicated Consoles
- 7.4.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 7.4.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 7.5 Others
- 8 Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market by Platform
- 8.1 PlayStation
- 8.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 8.1.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 8.2 Xbox
- 8.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 8.2.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 8.3 Wii
- 8.3.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 8.3.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 8.4 Others
- 9 Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market by End Use
- 9.1 Personal
- 9.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 9.1.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 9.2 Commercial
- 9.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 9.2.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 10 Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market by Distribution Channel
- 10.1 Online
- 10.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 10.1.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 10.2 Offline
- 10.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 10.2.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 11 Middle East and Africa Gaming Console Market by Country
- 11.1 Saudi Arabia
- 11.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 11.1.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 11.2 United Arab Emirates
- 11.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 11.2.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 11.3 Nigeria
- 11.3.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 11.3.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 11.4 South Africa
- 11.4.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
- 11.4.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
- 11.5 Others
- 12 Market Dynamics
- 12.1 SWOT Analysis
- 12.1.1 Strengths
- 12.1.2 Weaknesses
- 12.1.3 Opportunities
- 12.1.4 Threats
- 12.2 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- 12.2.1 Supplier’s Power
- 12.2.2 Buyer’s Power
- 12.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 12.2.4 Degree of Rivalry
- 12.2.5 Threat of Substitutes
- 12.3 Key Indicators for Demand
- 12.4 Key Indicators for Price
- 13 Competitive Landscape
- 13.1 Supplier Selection
- 13.2 Key Global Players
- 13.3 Key Regional Players
- 13.4 Key Player Strategies
- 13.5 Company Profiles
- 13.5.1 Sony Corporation
- 13.5.1.1 Company Overview
- 13.5.1.2 Product Portfolio
- 13.5.1.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 13.5.1.4 Certifications
- 13.5.2 Microsoft Corporation
- 13.5.2.1 Company Overview
- 13.5.2.2 Product Portfolio
- 13.5.2.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 13.5.2.4 Certifications
- 13.5.3 Nintendo Co., Ltd.
- 13.5.3.1 Company Overview
- 13.5.3.2 Product Portfolio
- 13.5.3.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 13.5.3.4 Certifications
- 13.5.4 Logitech International SA
- 13.5.4.1 Company Overview
- 13.5.4.2 Product Portfolio
- 13.5.4.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 13.5.4.4 Certifications
- 13.5.5 Atari Inc.
- 13.5.5.1 Company Overview
- 13.5.5.2 Product Portfolio
- 13.5.5.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 13.5.5.4 Certifications
- 13.5.6 Meta Platforms Technologies, Inc.
- 13.5.6.1 Company Overview
- 13.5.6.2 Product Portfolio
- 13.5.6.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 13.5.6.4 Certifications
- 13.5.7 Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
- 13.5.7.1 Company Overview
- 13.5.7.2 Product Portfolio
- 13.5.7.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 13.5.7.4 Certifications
- 13.5.8 Valve Corporation
- 13.5.8.1 Company Overview
- 13.5.8.2 Product Portfolio
- 13.5.8.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 13.5.8.4 Certifications
- 13.5.9 HTC Corporation
- 13.5.9.1 Company Overview
- 13.5.9.2 Product Portfolio
- 13.5.9.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 13.5.9.4 Certifications
- 13.5.10 ASUSTEK Computer Inc.
- 13.5.10.1 Company Overview
- 13.5.10.2 Product Portfolio
- 13.5.10.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 13.5.10.4 Certifications
- 13.5.11 Others
Pricing
Currency Rates
Questions or Comments?
Our team has the ability to search within reports to verify it suits your needs. We can also help maximize your budget by finding sections of reports you can purchase.