The global gaming PC market saw a slight recovery in the second quarter of 2024, with shipments reaching around 10.6 million units, according to market intelligence firm International Data Corp. (IDC). This marks a 2.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
The IDC said that despite ongoing economic uncertainty, particularly in markets like China, inventory restocking and improved market conditions contributed to the sector’s first positive growth since early 2022.
Gaming monitors experienced even stronger growth during the quarter. Shipments surged by 35%, with nearly 6.5 million units sold. This growth was driven by aggressive pricing strategies and increased competition from new brands. IDC noted that the average price of a gaming monitor has dropped below $300, making them more accessible.
“Excluding economic challenges, the lull in gaming PCs has also been driven by a lack of exciting hardware and investments from both consumers and suppliers in adjacent markets such as handhelds,” said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC’s Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers.
While the gaming PC market is recovering, it remains below its peak levels from 2021. Consumers are increasingly turning to other gaming platforms, such as handheld devices, which has slowed demand for traditional gaming PCs.
IDC expects further market improvements in the coming months, forecasting total gaming PC and monitor shipments to grow by 9% in 2024, reaching 69.3 million units. The long-term outlook for gaming desktops is also optimistic, with growth predicted in 2025 as new graphics cards become available. By 2028, gaming is expected to account for 20% of the entire PC and monitor market, reflecting its growing significance in the broader tech landscape.