In 2022, the trend of renting gaming consoles saw notable growth in Russia, a shift reported by the business daily Kommersant. The rise was echoed across popular classified platforms and service offerings, signaling a broader pivot in how households access gaming technology during that period.
On a platform like Avito, demand for console rentals surged by 43 percent, while the number of rental listings expanded by 73 percent. A separate service, Arenter, recorded a fourfold increase in console rental activity within the year. Market participants observed that this momentum began even before the regional conflict escalated, but the withdrawal of several console manufacturers from the Russian market and a shrinking assortment of gaming devices in retail outlets accelerated the trend. These dynamics collectively pushed rental models into the mainstream as consumers sought cost effective access to the latest hardware without bears of upfront purchase costs.
Industry observers noted a common rental package pattern. Set top boxes were frequently offered with bundled games, controllers, and steering wheels. Experts cited by Kommersant described these bundles as a logical fit for renters who often did not own a full library of games or separate game inputs. The practical appeal lay in simplicity and affordability for casual players who wanted immediate access without the burden of owning multiple peripherals or titles.
Previously covered by media outlets, discussions around portable gaming options also resurfaced. Lenovo prototypes of a portable game console floated in Chinese stores before their intended release and were subsequently slated for a 2022 launch. The broader story reflects how manufacturers and retailers react to market access constraints by expanding shareable hardware and alternative distribution strategies, shaping consumer behavior in the process.
In Canada and the United States, observers can draw parallels to how rental ecosystems function during periods of device scarcity or price sensitivity. The core appeal remains the same: access over ownership. Families and enthusiasts alike explore flexible plans, short term commitments, and the ability to experiment with high end devices without permanent investments. This shift aligns with a growing comfort with renting as a practical alternative to ownership in the tech and entertainment sectors. While the scale and regulatory context differ between markets, the underlying economics of supply, demand, and consumer risk remain closely related. The Canadian and American scenes show a steady expansion in catalog depth and service coverage, signaling a durable change in how people acquire gaming hardware and related accessories. Industry data suggest that the most resilient models are those that offer compelling bundles, transparent pricing, and reliable customer support, ensuring users feel confident in their rental choices. Market participants emphasize that the value rests not just in the hardware, but in the overall experience, including access to a diverse game library, turnkey setup, and easy upgrade options. In this light, rental platforms are evolving into comprehensive entertainment hubs where hardware longevity, service quality, and user convenience drive ongoing demand. Finally, the broader lesson is that consumer behavior is shifting toward flexible consumption of technology, a trend likely to persist as new devices arrive and pricing strategies adapt to regional realities and currency dynamics.