March 12 (Reuters) - The global PC and console gaming

sector is expected to steadily grow in the upcoming years,

research firm Newzoo said on Thursday, despite AI-driven demand

for high-end memory chips potentially driving up prices.

A surge in global artificial intelligence deployment is

driving up demand for high-end memory chips, pressuring console

makers already battling tariff costs to raise prices further.

Steam game marketplace owner Valve is planning to release a

gaming console with access to PC titles and Microsoft's ( MSFT )

Xbox unveiled plans for its own console aimed at Xbox and PC

games last week.

* Newzoo's PC & Console Gaming Report 2026 forecasts PC and

console software revenues to reach $88.3 billion in 2025 and

$94.3 billion in 2026, compared to the $82.4 billion in 2024

* Blockbuster releases, hardware momentum, higher premium or

subscription pricing are lifting console revenue, with limited

player growth

* Emerging markets are boosting PC growth at lower average

revenue per user (ARPU), while mature markets are leading in

console spend

* Global PC revenue should surpass console by 2028,

supported by Eastern-Asian-led player expansion and a growing

Gen Z and Gen Alpha cohort that strengthens long-term engagement

and ecosystem depth