Gaming Laptop Market in Russia: 2023 Growth Signals and Brand Leaders
During the first nine months of 2023, Russian demand for gaming laptops surged to about 450 thousand units, marking a 40 percent increase over the same period in the previous year. This trend was reported by Vedomosti and is based on data from the Fplus holding and the Merlion distributor M.Video-Eldorado. The numbers reflect a robust market momentum that resonated across retail channels and consumer segments in Russia.
In monetary terms, the Russian Federation saw the gaming laptop market generate approximately 38 billion rubles from January through September 2023, up about 20 percent year over year. The broader gaming peripherals segment also expanded, rising by roughly 35 percent to reach 14 billion rubles. Within the same period, M.Video-Eldorado reported a decline in the average invoice for gaming equipment purchases, dipping about 15 percent to around 90 thousand rubles. This shift hints at a mix of lower-priced configurations and more frequent, smaller-ticket purchases among buyers.
Market leadership remains clear. The MSI brand held a substantial lead in 2023, capturing about 42.7 percent of unit sales in Russia. Asus followed with around 15.6 percent, while Haier’s Thunderobot brand ranked third with a roughly 9.4 percent share. These standings illustrate how international brands and local variants compete for consumer attention in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Retailers point to several catalysts fueling demand. The arrival of new gaming laptop models equipped with familiar graphics cards, the entry of Chinese brands into the market, and the release of major new game titles have all played roles in sustaining momentum. In addition, there is a growing tendency among consumers to view high-performance gaming laptops as an all-in-one solution, capable of handling gaming, work, and multimedia tasks without needing separate devices. This multi-purpose appeal helps explain continued year-over-year growth and a broader appeal beyond strictly late-model enthusiasts.
Historically, market chatter in Russia has also highlighted other profitable devices, notably high-margin smartphones. While the focus here is on gaming laptops, observers note how consumer electronics ecosystems can shift profitability for retailers as models and brands evolve. The current trajectory suggests a resilient market that adapts to new technologies and consumer preferences, with brand diversity and feature-rich configurations driving ongoing interest in gaming laptops among buyers across major urban centers and beyond.