Survey Reveals PC is Japan’s Top Gaming Platform, Surpassing Consoles

TIG SEASeptember 17, 2025

146 1 minute read

Japan’s gaming landscape is shifting in surprising ways. A new poll conducted by AUTOMATON WEST, with 10,880 participants on X, revealed that PC has become the number one gaming platform among Japanese gamers, challenging the long-held belief that consoles dominate the market.

PC Dominates the Poll

The results showed a clear lead:

60.7% chose PC as their main gaming platform
19.3% chose PlayStation/Xbox
11.1% chose Nintendo Switch
9% chose mobile

The outcome stunned many on social media, as most expected the results to be more balanced. Instead, PC overwhelmingly captured the majority, highlighting its growing influence among Japanese gamers, particularly AUTOMATON’s readership.

Why PC is Rising in Japan

Several factors explain PC’s dominance:

Many AUTOMATON articles often focus on indie titles released on Steam, naturally attracting a strong PC-focused audience over the years. But reader comments also point to broader reasons:

Game variety: PCs offer flexibility, covering everything from indie gems and AAA blockbusters to adult games rarely seen on consoles.
Cross-platform access: While some exclusives remain on consoles, most titles can be played on PC, except Nintendo’s unique catalog.
Affordable pricing: Steam discounts and frequent sales make PC gaming more budget-friendly.
Longevity: PCs are seen as more reliable long-term, unlike consoles that require generational upgrades.
Mobile fatigue: Some gamers voiced frustration with mobile gaming’s heavy reliance on gacha systems and live-service models, making PC a more appealing alternative.

A Changing Trend in Japanese Gaming

While it isn’t shocking that a PC-focused site attracted strong PC support, the poll still reveals an important trend: gaming in Japan may be slowly shifting toward PC. Once dominated by consoles and mobile, the market now shows signs of broadening its horizons. With over 60% of respondents preferring PC, it’s clear that the platform’s role in Japan’s gaming future is growing stronger.