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.O 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

(Reporting by Vera Dvorakova and Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Matt Scuffham)

((vera.dvorakova@thomsonreuters.com; gianluca.lonostro@thomsonreuters.com))