PriceSpy data reveals popularity of gaming consoles and graphics cards soar, despite global shortage

Insights from the fully impartial price and product comparison site, PriceSpy, indicate the latest buying trend to hit New Zealand is gaming consoles and graphics cards; an interesting trend, considering the global shortage of both items.

Liisa Matinvesi-Bassett, New Zealand country manager for PriceSpy, says: “Our data shows Kiwis have never been more into gaming goods than now, with the PS5 a clear winner that many want in their homes. In fact, the console is currently the most-popular product on our website, above some 139,337 other indexed items.

“And, since the start of this year, we’ve seen significant growth across the shopping category of graphics cards, both in New Zealand and globally.

In New Zealand, popularity for graphics cards doubled on PriceSpy, compared to the same time in 2020 (up 111 per cent). PriceSpy global data also found popularity for graphics cards increased 276 per cent, compared to the same time in 2020.”

Despite buyer interest for gaming goods being on the up, Kiwis looking for ways to keep busy and entertained across the latest change in Alert Levels, may be disappointed.

Liisa continues: “Since the PS5 first launched, consumer buying interest for Sony’s latest flagship console quickly skyrocketed. In fact, before it was even released in November 2020 last year, it was already the most-clicked on product on PriceSpy, above thousands of other items.

“But, with global supply chains affected by Covid-19, stock soon ran out – and popularity quickly dropped off. However, since the start of February, even though stock levels have not yet returned, consumer buying interest has once again peaked – with the PS5 ranking again as most-clicked on product on PriceSpy.”

And it’s not just the PS5 that’s increasing in popularity and price.

“Graphics cards may not be an item that appeals to everyone, but our data shows popularity has peaked, increasing 111 per cent year on year, which is extremely high. We believe this additional demand is driven by a number of reasons,” says Liisa.

With availability of graphics cards now scarce, the indexed price point for these items on PriceSpy has risen almost nine per cent since the start of this year.

To find out more information and to start comparing prices, head to their website, or download the PriceSpy app.

Download the PriceSpy app here.
www.pricespy.co.nz