Jon Peddie Research (JPR) today announced the market forecast for PC gaming hardware, and the results are better than previously expected.

The worldwide PC gaming hardware market (systems, accessories, and upgrades) is forecasted to gain $1.2 billion for 2009, which is a 5.9% increase versus 2008 (from $20.07 to $21.26 billion), according to the research firm. The increase is due to higher than anticipated consumer demand for Enthusiast, Performance, and Mainstream hardware influenced by the ability to play video games ranging from casual to hardcore simulations.

Due to significant growth across all major markets the worldwide PC gaming hardware market is expected to skyrocket 30% in 2010. Senior Video Game Industry Analyst at JPR, Ted Pollak, credits this growth to a number of factors. "The largest influence on the high forecasted growth rate is due to purchasing delays for systems and upgrades in 2008/2009 as consumers circled the wagons and took a conservative position on discretionary spending. A recovering economy, processing advancements, and higher quality gaming offerings will all contribute to a healthy year for PC gaming hardware in 2010."

The PC gaming market continues to be the high growth, and technological leader for home entertainment. With Windows 7 and DirectX 11, advanced and exciting physics, and stereovision capabilities, the PC platform is far and away the most advanced," noted Jon Peddie President of Jon Peddie Research. "And, the PC has the added advantage that when not used for gaming, it can be used for more practical purposes, and/or as a media center."

The Worldwide PC Gaming Hardware Market reports are available now at www.jonpeddie.com.