NPD Group: AR and VR Hardware Sales Increased 153% in 2021 in the U.S.

AR and VR hardware sales in absolute numbers increased by 163 percent in the US last year, compared to 2020, according to research firm NPD Group. Over the past year-end period, AR and VR hardware sales increased 180 percent. .

Turnover figures rose slightly less strongly, according to NPD Group. An increase of 153 percent was recorded during the year-end period of 2021 and an increase in sales in this market of 137 percent during the entire year 2021. The year-end period used by NPD Group started on November 21, 2021 and ended on December 25, 2021.

Analyst Ben Arnold says the increase is partly due to shortages in the popular game console market, but he also argues that consumers sought unique entertainment experiences. Arnold expects sales of VR and AR headsets to continue growing during the first half of 2022.