Analyst firm Superdata believes we're due for a console market crash

Analyst firm Superdata believes a console market crash is headed our way, as the market is saturated and consumers are reluctant to purchase next-gen systems.

According to the firm's latest prepared report, the console market is crowded and 79% percent of gamers already own an average of 2.6 consoles each.

"Industry veterans will remember the crash of 1983, when the games market was saturated with hardware devices," the report states. "Today, the industry runs a similar risk, as [with] a higher-than-ever console installed base, consumers may be resistant to adding more hardware to their living rooms."

While it was noted that there are more partaking in video games than before, habits are changing with more and more leaning towards more "versatile, multi-purpose platforms like PC and mobile," noted GI International.

In 2008 42% gamers played primarily on a consoles compared to 37% who preferred PC and the 5% who played on mobile.

Since then, 51% primarily play on PC, and just 30% consoles and mobile is now the primarily platform for 13% of players.

Superdata's figures derived from those compiled by e-commerce outsourcing company Digital River which surveyed 1,105 respondents back in March.