Japan Gaming Headset - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

Key Highlights

• Japan has a large and growing population of gamers. The popularity of gaming, both PC and console, is on the rise, driving the demand for gaming peripherals such as gaming headsets.
• Japan is a hub for eSports and professional gaming tournaments. Professional gamers and eSports enthusiasts have specific requirements for high-quality gaming headsets, leading to increased demand. For instance, In a February 2023 survey by MyVoice in Japan, 11.1% of respondents believed that a company backing eSports enhances its image. A slightly larger segment held the opposite view, but the majority felt a company's image remains unaffected by such sponsorships.
• Gaming headset manufacturers are continuously improving their products, providing features like surround sound, noise cancellation, and wireless connectivity. Technological advancements and product innovations attract gamers who seek an immersive gaming experience. For instance, in April 2024, Razer announced that its mid-range gaming headset, the BlackShark V2 Pro, had models available for PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Previously, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro had one PC-compatible model. The brand introduced versions for PlayStation and Xbox, priced at USD 199.99. It is important to note that the PlayStation version was not multiplatform, while the Xbox version worked across its native systems, as did the PS5 and PS4 versions.
• However, despite the rising disposable income, price sensitivity is still a significant factor for many consumers in the region. Some gaming headsets, especially high-end models, can be relatively expensive, limiting their accessibility to budget-conscious consumers.

Japan Gaming Headset Market Trends

Rising Internet Penetration and Emergence of Cloud Gaming Platforms

• Rising internet penetration and the affordability of smartphones, both in urban and rural areas, have propelled significant growth in the online gaming market. Revenue streams in this sector include in-app purchases, pay-per-download, subscription services, and various forms of advertising. In 2023, Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications noted that 86.2% of the population were internet users, a slight increase from the previous year.
• With the expanding internet penetration, major tech companies are increasingly investing in online gaming, further boosting the market. For example, in July 2024, Balenciaga partnered with Tencent's 'Need for Speed Mobile' game, following its collaboration with Alipay. This collaboration, which has been in the works for over 500 days, offered exclusive in-game items and allowed fans to purchase physical merchandise at selected outlets, on balenciaga.cn, and through its WeChat Mini Program.
• Today, the gaming market has transformed significantly from a decade ago, mainly due to globalization, digitalization, and the surge in mobile gaming. Mobile gaming, in particular, has broadened the industry's global reach and expanded the player base.
• The rising number of mobile data users is expected to lead to a fivefold surge in data consumption. A survey in February 2023 by the Mobile Society Research Institute highlighted that 93% of smartphone owners in Japan used their devices daily, with only 3% reporting weekly or less usage.
• Despite the market's high potential, challenges persist, such as limited local game development and the monetization of gamers. The internet ecosystem has begun a course correction, emphasizing end-to-end local game development.

Wireless Gaming Headset Segment to Hold Significant Market Share

• Wireless gaming headsets offer greater convenience and mobility compared to wired headsets. Gamers in Japan can move freely without being restricted by wires, allowing for a more immersive and comfortable gaming experience.
• The popularity of mobile gaming in Japan is on the rise, and wireless gaming headsets are well-suited for mobile gaming platforms. They provide a seamless connection to smartphones or tablets, enabling gamers to enjoy their favorite games on the go. For instance, according to AppMagic, with more than 5.7 million downloads, 'Royal Match' was the leading mobile gaming app in Japan in 2023. The puzzle game was published by Dream Games, Ltd. in 2021. Other games that recorded a high number of downloads in 2023 included 'Survivor!.io,,' 'Watermelon Game,' and 'Block Blast!'.
• Wireless gaming headsets have significantly improved in terms of audio quality, latency, and connection stability. Advancements in wireless technology, such as Bluetooth and wireless USB dongles, have made wireless headsets a viable and reliable option for gamers in Japan. For instance, in January 2024, Shiftall Inc. announced three new products: the 'MeganeX Superlight,' an ultra-lightweight VR headset; the 'HaritoraX Wireless R,' a full-body tracking device for the Metaverse; and the 'Mutalk 2,' a wireless soundproof microphone compatible with both PCs and smartphones.
• Japan has a thriving eSports scene, with many professional gamers and competitive gaming events. Wireless gaming headsets make movement easier for professional gamers during intense gameplay, giving them an edge in competitive gaming environments. For instance, the Japan eSports Union (JeSU) reported that 311 players held a Japan eSports Pro License as of November 2023. In contrast, Junior and Team Licenses were significantly fewer in number.
• With the increasing emphasis on lifestyle and portability in Japan, wireless gaming headsets align with the preferences of gamers who value convenience and minimalistic setups. Wireless headsets fit well into the modern lifestyle of urban gamers.

Japan Gaming Headset Industry Overview

• May 2024: Steelseries recently unveiled its latest offering, the Arctis Nova 5 wireless gaming headset, priced at USD 129.99. Notably, this was USD 50 cheaper than its counterpart, the Nova 7. Steelseries headset to offer on-the-fly Sonar audio presets specifically tailored for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S gaming consoles. The Arctis Nova 5 is also seamlessly integrated with Steelseries' new mobile app. This app, akin to the Sonar software for PCs, empowered PS5 and Xbox gamers to select audio presets.
• January 2024: MSI Computer Japan KK (MSI) announced its inaugural wireless gaming headset, "IMMERSE GH50 WIRELESS," which became available on Friday, January 26, 2024. This product marked MSI's entry into the wireless gaming headset market, featuring compatibility with both 2.4GHz wireless and 3.5mm wired connections.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support