Money is tight, going out is expensive – it’s bad news for the economy but not, it seems, for games retail. New research from Harris International shows that spending on home entertainment is on the up, and with it come san increase in the number of UK console gamers.

A new study entitled Fast Forward, which questioned over 2,000 UK residents in November last year and again in February, has found a growing trend for staying at home, with increased demand for things such as console gaming, music downloads and online TV.

The Wii, in particular, saw a five per cent increase in ownership amongst those questioned. As a result, Harris’ stats claim that 23 per cent of UK households now contain a games console.

“Brits have been taking advantage of the heavily discounted sales both before Christmas and in the first part of 2009,” Harris Interactive’s research director Steve Evans stated.

“It seems that the investment in home entertainment will mean people saving money by staying in, and preparing for some tough months ahead.”