Console and Handheld Online Gaming Market to Exceed 30 Million Subscribers by 2009

Strategic Insights -

Research and Markets has announced the addition of a report on console and handheld online gaming, which highlights the growing market for online gaming through video game consoles and handheld game consoles. The report predicts a significant increase in subscribers, from 3.4 million in 2004 to over 30 million by 2009. The report also examines the strategies of major console makers, including Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, and provides forecasts for each console's online gaming capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The worldwide console and handheld online gaming subscribers numbered 3.4 million in 2004.
  • The market is expected to grow significantly, with subscribers exceeding 30 million by 2009.
  • Sony believes that a paid service is too large a barrier to console online gaming and uses free online play to reinforce customer loyalty.
  • Nintendo has taken a hands-off approach to console online gaming but is taking a very aggressive approach in handheld console gaming, setting up a network of Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • Microsoft's paid subscription service is expected to accelerate subscriber growth between 2004 and 2009, reaching just under 50%.
  • Sony has launched several networked gaming titles for its PSP handheld console, but has not been as active as Nintendo in setting up hotspot networks or marketing the online service.
  • The report provides forecasts for online gamers annually through 2009 for all game console and handheld consoles with online capability.
  • Profiles and analysis are provided for console online strategies of Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, and handheld online strategies of Sony, Nintendo, and Nokia.

Statistics:

  • 3.4 million: worldwide console and handheld online gaming subscribers in 2004 (Source: Research and Markets)
  • 30 million: expected subscribers by 2009 (Source: Research and Markets)
  • 50%: annual subscriber growth projection for Microsoft between 2004 and 2009 (Source: Research and Markets)
  • 2006: release year of the PlayStation 3 (Source: Research and Markets)
  • 2005: release year of several networked gaming titles for the PSP handheld console (Source: Research and Markets)

Sources:

  • Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c30393)