Global Core Gaming Gear Market - Focused Insights 2025-2030

CORE GAMING GEAR MARKET SIZE

The global core gaming gear market was valued at USD 4.74 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.72 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.18%. This growth is driven by the rising popularity of gaming as both entertainment and a competitive sport. Unlike standard computer accessories, core gaming gear offers enhanced ergonomics, responsiveness, durability, and customization. The surge in professional gaming, streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, and user-generated games has fueled demand for high-performance hardware.

CORE GAMING GEAR MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Personalization and RGB Integration

One of the strongest trends in the global core gaming accessories market is the growing popularity of RGB integration and customization. Initially driven by aesthetics, this trend now plays a crucial role in the purchasing decisions of both casual and professional esports enthusiasts. Gamers increasingly view their rigs as extensions of their personalities, with customizable features like RGB lighting profiles and removable faceplates allowing them to express their individuality, coordinate themes, or showcase favorite games or characters. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Reddit, and TikTok have amplified the appeal of visually striking setups, making RGB configurations a status symbol among gamers. Razer's Chroma RGB platform, for example, enables coordinated lighting effects across mice and keyboards. To capitalize on this trend, companies often release limited-edition gear co-branded with game franchises, esports teams, or influencers, featuring exclusive RGB profiles, themed designs, and customizable light effects that attract gamers.

Worldwide Growth of Esports

The growth of global eSports events such as the League of Legends World Championship, The International (Dota 2), Valorant Champions Tour, and CS:GO Majors has significantly increased gaming's aspirational value. These events, streamed to millions worldwide, inspire potential gamers to emulate professionals by purchasing similar gear, driving core gaming gear sales. Streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Kick have popularized eSports and game streaming, exposing viewers not only to gameplay but also to the hardware used by top streamers. This exposure sparks curiosity and buying behavior, especially among younger audiences. eSports has redefined what it means to be a professional gamer, with many aspiring to become pros or content creators. Owning high-performance, pro-endorsed equipment is seen as essential to achieving these goals, fueling sustained demand for premium gaming gear.

CORE GAMING GEAR MARKET SEGMENT INSIGHTS

By Product Type: The headsets segment held the largest global core gaming gear market share of over 43% in 2024. Gaming headsets have become a crucial part of the gaming peripherals ecosystem, driven by the demand for immersive audio, seamless communication in online multiplayer games, and professional-grade sound for eSports and streaming. Competitive headsets with noise-canceling microphones, low-latency connections, and voice-enhancing audio tuning are essential in professional environments. As gamers switch between PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile, multi-device compatible headsets have spurred innovation in plug-and-play designs and wireless technology. Features like RGB lighting, interchangeable ear cups, removable mics, and adjustable ear tags are especially popular with streamers, driving the demand for aesthetically appealing gear.

By Technology: The wireless segment is experiencing significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 3.62% during the forecast period. Wireless gaming mice have seen a transformation, with fast wireless protocols like Logitech LIGHTSPEED, Razer HyperSpeed, and Corsair Slipstream offering sub-1ms response times, nearly eliminating lag. Key drivers for the adoption of wireless gaming devices include advancements in charging technology and battery efficiency. High-capacity lithium-ion cells, power-optimized management, and quick-charging USB-C have increased battery life to 30-100+ hours per charge, even with RGB lighting enabled. Additionally, many modern devices now offer dual or tri-mode connectivity, integrating 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C into one device. This versatility allows easy switching between platforms, making wireless peripherals highly attractive for hybrid use, contributing to the segment's rapid growth.

By Distribution Channel: The offline segment holds the largest market share in the global core gaming gear market. This includes traditional brick-and-mortar outlets such as electronics stores, gaming specialty shops, supermarkets, and brand-exclusive stores. Offline channels are key for customer experience, especially for core gaming accessories like mice, keyboards, and headsets, where physical interaction, such as testing ergonomics, RGB effects, and button feedback, is crucial in shaping purchasing decisions. These retail stores also offer immediate product availability, appealing to impulse buyers and those in urgent need of gear.

By Gender: In 2024, the male gender segment accounted for the largest share of the global core gaming gear market. Male gamers continue to represent the largest demographic in this space, with aesthetics playing a key role in their purchasing behavior. Bold, angular designs and RGB lighting are particularly popular, as they symbolize performance and status within the gaming community. Gaming peripherals with black frames, metallic accents, and customizable RGB features resonate strongly with this audience. Male gamers are often early adopters of new technologies, such as low-latency wireless peripherals, optical-mechanical switches, hot-swappable keyboards, and immersive haptic feedback headsets. This demographic is highly engaged in online gaming communities—on platforms like Twitch, Discord, and Reddit—which heavily influence their purchasing decisions. Influencer promotions, ambassador endorsements, and streaming equipment reviews have a significant impact on the gear choices of male gamers.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is one of the fastest-growing markets for core gaming gear, with a CAGR of 3.76% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, esports ecosystems, and a young, tech-savvy population. Key contributors like China, India, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia each exhibit unique market behaviors that drive growth in various product segments. The booming esports events, gaming teams, and streaming platforms significantly influence peripheral purchases in the region. With a digitally native, youth-driven consumer base, particularly in emerging markets, APAC gamers are highly influenced by streamers, online feedback, and social media, often seeking trending or influencer-endorsed hardware.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global core gaming gear market report features exclusive data on 25 vendors, highlighting a highly competitive and fragmented landscape. While major players like Logitech, SteelSeries, and HyperX hold strong positions in specific segments or regions, overall market control is widely dispersed. This fragmentation fosters innovation but limits any single brand’s influence on pricing or industry trends. A key challenge remains the influx of counterfeit or low-quality products, especially in online and less-regulated markets. With gamers seeking immersive audio, responsive controls, and ergonomic designs, vendors are focusing on premium peripherals such as mechanical keyboards, high-fidelity headsets, and high-DPI mice. Innovations like Razer’s AI-powered headset reflect rising demand for smart gaming gear with features like in-game assistance and adaptive performance.

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

October 31, 2024 – CORSAIR has introduced the K70 PRO TKL keyboard, which integrates the advanced MGX magnetic switch technology into a competitive tenkeyless form factor. Equipped with cutting-edge features such as FlashTap and Rapid Trigger, the K70 PRO TKL is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of competitive gaming.

March 11, 2025 – CORSAIR announced the launch of CORSAIR Custom Lab in Europe. This new initiative enables European gamers to create personalized gaming peripherals that reflect their tastes and styles.