A Japanese study leveraged purchase lotteries during the console shortage amid the pandemic to compare the psychological states of those who won the right to buy a console versus those who did not. The research found that obtaining a console was associated with reduced psychological distress and increased life satisfaction, but the outcomes differed between Switch and PS5 across different demographic groups.
This study surveyed over 8,000 individuals aged 10 to 69, examining the relationship between acquiring and using consoles and psychological distress as well as life satisfaction. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler scale.
According to a summary of the research findings, the positive effects of the Switch are mainly seen in teenagers and families. The positive effects of the PS5 are more evident among adult males and frequent gamers, while the impact on teenagers is weaker.
The study also observed that positive effects begin to diminish after more than three hours of daily gameplay. This reminds us that no matter how beneficial a leisure activity may be, reasonable time management remains key.