Japanese gamers might be losing interest in the offerings of companies like Sony and Nintendo, it seems. The console market is down 16 percent compared to last year, according to a report by Japan’s Computer Entertainment Suppliers Association. The report, which includes not only the PlayStation 4 and Wii U, but the 3DS and and PS Vita, states that the combined hardware and software sales are down to $4 billion in 2013 versus $4.8 billion in 2012.
The Japanese games console market dipped 16 percent last year, according to a report by the country’s Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association. According to CESA, as reported by analyst Serkan Toto, the market for console gaming (hardware and software combined) in Japan in 2013 reached $4 billion, down from $4.8 billion in 2012. Console hardware sales in 2013 were $1.5 billion, down from $1.9 billion the year before. In contrast, Japanese consumers are continuing their love affair with mobile games. According to CESA, which organizes the annual Tokyo Games Show, Japan’s market for smartphone games reached $3.5 billion in 2013. CESA’s console stats include mobile devices like Nintendo DS, which holds a 47 percent market share and PlayStation Vita (12 percent). PlayStation 4 launched in Japan in early 2014, with Xbox One arriving in September.
