Major Shifts in Japan's Gaming Landscape Revealed by Gamer Census 2025-2026

Japan's Gaming Scene: Insights from the Gamer Census 2025-2026

The ongoing Gamer Census 2025-2026, conducted by JILCH Corporation, seeks to shed light on the evolving landscape of gaming in Japan. This initiative has been running since 2016 and is recognized as one of Japan's largest surveys targeted at gamers. The current phase includes an extensive questionnaire, and while refined analysis will follow the survey’s conclusion, some intriguing trends have already emerged from preliminary data.

Key Findings So Far

1. The Rise of PC Gaming

One of the most prominent trends observed is the noticeable shift towards PC gaming. Currently, the number of PC gamers has surged by 9% compared to last year, with an increase in ownership rates. This shift signifies a major transition in how gamers engage with their hobby.

- PC Gaming Time Remains Stable

Interestingly, the amount of time spent on PC gaming hasn’t seen much change, suggesting that gaming has become a more ingrained part of daily life for many.

- Console Market Shift

In contrast, the console gaming market has dipped, with a 7% decrease noted across various platforms. Notably, the user base for PlayStation 4 has dwindled, while PlayStation 5 users have increased by 7%, indicating a generational transition in consoles. In an unexpected twist, ownership of the Nintendo Switch has risen to levels over 115% compared to last year, likely fueled by upgrades to the OLED model and the anticipated Switch 2.

2. Changing Preferences in Game Genres

The survey hints at a potential slowdown in the previously dominant FPS genre. This year, participation in FPS games was down by 5%, with VALORANT, a title that led the charts last year, witnessing a 6% decline in player numbers. This evolution in gaming preferences could signal shifting interests within the gaming community.

3. Brand Dynamics in Gaming Hardware

The landscape for gaming peripherals is also witnessing significant changes. Established brands are struggling to maintain their top market positions.

- Gaming Mice

Top-tier brands have seen their market share decrease by 6%, suggesting a trend towards emerging brands.

- Gaming Headsets

One prominent manufacturer has finally broken into the top three, showcasing a diversification in consumer choices.

- Unexpected High-Performance Brands

Certain brands in the gaming controller sector have made unexpected advancements, shaking up the established hierarchy. Rankings were not just limited to gaming monitors and chairs, where notable rank reversals among leading manufacturers were also observed.

Looking Ahead: The Effect of Rising Costs on Final Results

While a considerable rise in PC gamers is encouraging, rising memory and SSD prices since late last year have raised concerns about the potential increase in the price of gaming PCs. Observations will be made on how these costs will affect consumers’ purchasing intentions and overall gaming market share.

Fantastic Prizes Await Survey Participants

To incentivize participation, JILCH Corporation is providing an impressive prize pool exceeding 1.5 million yen worth of gaming products. Diverse offerings include a highly rated gaming PC, state-of-the-art gaming projectors, high-end chairs, and various essential gaming accessories, including controllers and monitors. Each participant has a chance to win exciting gear from top-tier brands.

Join the Gaming Community in Shaping the Future

With the survey set to continue until January 20, 2026, and results to be disclosed around March 2026, participants are encouraged to reflect on their gaming experiences, potential preferences, and the evolution of gaming culture in Japan. Your voice matters as we collectively shape the future of gaming.

For further details, visit the announcement page here or access the survey participation form here.

Stay tuned for the future of gaming powered by your insights!