For decades, gaming consoles sat at the centre of the video game industry. They were affordable, easy to use and designed for one clear purpose: play games. But in recent years that certainty has begun to wobble. With PC gaming growing rapidly, handheld devices making a strong comeback, and major companies rethinking exclusives, many are asking an uncomfortable question: Are consoles slowly becoming irrelevant?
The market is undeniably changing. According to data from Newzoo’s Global Games Market Report, PC gaming continues to grow faster than the console segment, driven by powerful hardware, mod support and wider game libraries. PCs now account for a significant share of global gaming revenue, particularly in regions where players want flexibility beyond a single device.
At the same time, handheld gaming has found new life. Nintendo’s Switch proved that portability and performance don’t have to be opposites, and newer handheld PCs like the Steam Deck have reinforced that idea. A 2023 Steam Hardware Survey showed a steady rise in users playing on non-traditional setups, highlighting demand for gaming that fits around daily life rather than being tied to a television.
One of the biggest shifts affecting consoles is the changing nature of exclusives. Historically, exclusive titles were the main reason to buy a particular console. That advantage is shrinking. Many major games now launch on PC alongside consoles or arrive shortly after.
Microsoft has been particularly open about this approach, pushing its “Play Anywhere” strategy and expanding cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass. The goal appears less about selling hardware and more about building an ecosystem that works across devices.
This strategy has also led Microsoft to experiment with console-like experiences on other hardware, including handheld PCs such as the ROG Ally. Rather than insisting players buy an Xbox, the company seems more interested in ensuring they stay within the Xbox platform, regardless of where they play.
Sony, meanwhile, has taken a more reserved approach. While PlayStation continues to rely on strong first-party titles, industry reports and leaks suggest the company is exploring handheld or hybrid hardware for the future. If true, it would reflect a broader industry acknowledgement that traditional, living-room-only consoles may no longer be enough.
Nintendo stands out as the company that anticipated this shift earliest. The Switch blurred the line between console and handheld, and its successor appears to be building on that success.
According to figures reported by industry analysts, early sales of the next-generation Switch hardware and its flagship titles have been strong, reinforcing Nintendo’s position as a leader in accessible, flexible gaming. Rather than competing on raw power, Nintendo focused on experience – a decision that now looks increasingly strategic.
Economic pressures are also shaping consumer behaviour. Rising console prices, more expensive games and global inflation have made gaming a more careful purchase for many households. Subscription models such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus have become more attractive, allowing players to access large libraries without paying full price for each title. While this benefits players, it also shifts focus away from hardware sales and towards services.
Adding to the unease is growing frustration with industry practices. Live-service games, microtransactions and studio closures have left many players feeling disconnected from the industry they support. Trust, once built through memorable single-player experiences, now feels harder to earn.
So, are consoles dying? Not quite. They are evolving.
Consoles remain popular because they offer simplicity, optimisation and ease of access – qualities that still matter to millions of players. But their role is changing. The future of gaming looks less like a single box under the TV and more like an ecosystem that moves seamlessly between devices.
Rather than disappearing, consoles may be shedding their old identity. And in doing so, they might just be preparing for a future that fits how people actually play today.
