67 percent of U.S. college males to purchase a gaming console for the new school year
With the summer nearly half over, students are beginning to prepare for the start of the next school year. In addition to books, spirals and other traditional supplies, many U.S. college students are planning to purchase new gaming consoles and e-readers.
Alloy Media + Marketing released a report last week that showed a 13 percent increase in back-to-school spending. Each student will spend on average $361 on non-essential school items, which will total more than $300 billion in spending.
The 10th annual College Explorer survey found 67 percent of male respondents plan to buy a non-portable gaming console this year. Many college students may look to enhance their playing experience by connecting their new purchases to a high-definition TV, LED monitor or
gaming projector.
Of the 1,575 students surveyed, 50 percent said they plan to purchase an e-reader for the upcoming school year - only 2 percent currently own the device.
The new spending habits align with a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers report, which found the gaming industry’s worth will rise to $86.8 billion in 2014, up from $52.5 billion last year. The video game industry will be the second-fastest growing sector of entertainment and media, behind internet advertising.
