Console Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Console Gaming.
Latest coverage
The Console Market Is Cooked
This analysis explores the rising costs of consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. It features an interview with an analyst to understand the reasons behind the increased prices and discusses the potentially bleak future of console gaming.
Consoles continue their trend of just becoming worst PCs
The article argues that modern consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are becoming inferior versions of PCs, losing their unique advantages. Factors like the shift to digital-only, rising prices, and the diminishing value of exclusives are making PCs a more compelling and flexible gaming platform.
Could the PS6 be a handheld? PlayStation boss says the next-gen console will 'enable a seamless experience that can…
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino has hinted that the next-generation PlayStation console, potentially the PlayStation 6, could feature a handheld or hybrid design. Nishino stated Sony aims to break the perception of PlayStation being solely a living room device and wants to enable a seamless experience that can be enjoyed naturally beyond the living room, suggesting a shift towards more versatile usage styles.
PlayStation CEO says Sony will be 'leveraging technologies that can be used in various forms and locations' for future consoles, potentially suggesting a PS6 handheld is in the cards
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino stated that "pick up and play" is crucial for future consoles, suggesting Sony is exploring new hardware formats beyond traditional TV-based gaming. He indicated a desire to leverage technologies for use in "various forms and locations," potentially signaling a return to the handheld market with devices like the PlayStation Portal and possibly a future PS6 handheld.
"Mission Impossible is high on my list" – how Paramount plans to use co-dev to exploit its archive, while building its own all-new IP
Paramount has merged its video game divisions into the new Paramount Games Studio, led by EVP Dan Prigg. The studio aims to leverage Paramount's extensive IP archive through co-development and internal projects, targeting PC, console, Roblox, and mobile platforms. While exploiting existing franchises like Mission Impossible and Star Trek is a focus, the studio is also developing original IP, aiming for games to potentially inspire future linear entertainment.
Monitor vs. TV for Console Gaming: The Honest Answer in 2026 | TAG
For most console gamers in 2026, a modern TV with Game Mode enabled is sufficient and often superior to gaming monitors, especially regarding HDR performance and overall value. While gaming monitors offer lower input lag and higher refresh rates, the practical difference is negligible for casual players, with TVs providing a better experience per dollar spent for couch gaming. Monitors are best suited for competitive FPS players, desk-exclusive gamers, or those seeking a secondary display.
Feature: 10 N64 Games We Played In A Wondrous Alternate Timeline
This article explores a hypothetical alternate timeline where the Nintendo 64 achieved greater market success, imagining 10 games that could have been released. It speculates on potential N64 entries for series like Fire Emblem, Tekken, Metroid, and Final Fantasy, and discusses what might have been if sequels to GoldenEye 007 and Super Mario 64 were prioritized.
How the N64 and its games changed the world of gaming
This article celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Nintendo 64, examining its influential games and their lasting impact on the gaming industry. Despite selling fewer units than its competitor, the PlayStation, the N64 was a technical achievement that pioneered 3D graphics and gameplay mechanics, setting the foundation for many modern game design principles.
Steam Machine Is Expensive Because Valve Refuses to Be a Console Company
Valve's Steam Machine is priced at $1,049 for 512GB and $1,349 for 2TB, significantly higher than consoles like the PlayStation 5. This pricing reflects Valve's decision to treat it as a full PC rather than a subsidized console, allowing users full hardware ownership and software freedom, unlike the closed ecosystems of Sony and Microsoft.
Valve's New Steam Machine Costs Almost Twice as Much as a PS5
Valve's Steam Machine has been priced significantly higher than the PlayStation 5, with models ranging from $1,049 to $1,428. While its CPU performance can exceed the base PS5 in CPU-bound games, the PlayStation 5 generally performs better in optimized titles. The Steam Machine offers the flexibility of a PC in a smaller, quieter form factor.
Newzoo: Global games market made over $200bn in 2025
The global games market generated over $200 billion in revenue in 2025, marking a 9.1% year-on-year increase. Mobile gaming accounted for 56% of this revenue, while PC and console gaming each took 22%. China and the United States were the largest markets, contributing over half of the global spending.
The Steam Machine and GTA 6 pre-orders may happen at the same time, but it won't be on Valve's box
Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are set to go live on June 25, potentially coinciding with the release of Valve's Steam Machine. However, the highly anticipated game will not be available on PC at launch, launching instead for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19. The article speculates on potential performance for Grand Theft Auto 6 on the Steam Machine, comparing it to the base PlayStation 5's 4K 30fps capabilities.
Amid all the closures and layoffs, the global games market has apparently passed $200 billion in yearly revenue for the…
The global games market has surpassed $200 billion in yearly revenue for the first time, reaching $201.6 billion according to Newzoo, an increase of 9.1% year-on-year. Mobile gaming leads this growth, followed by PC and console gaming, despite widespread industry layoffs and studio closures. This financial success contrasts sharply with the recent difficulties faced by many companies and employees within the sector.
Microsoft's games are bigger than Xbox. So just scrap Xbox.
This article argues that Microsoft should discontinue the Xbox as a hardware platform due to its financial unsustainability and focus instead on its game development studios. The author suggests spinning off the gaming division into an independent entity to maximize revenue from its vast portfolio of games like Call of Duty and Minecraft, decoupling them from expensive console hardware.
How to Find Any Minecraft Biome Easily
This guide details the console game launch journey in 2026, covering business decisions, costs, and approval processes for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. It highlights platform-specific requirements, common rejection reasons, and the decision between in-house development or working with a specialist partner.
Games Inbox: Does the Nintendo Switch 2 have enough good games?
Readers express mixed opinions on the recent Nintendo Direct, with many finding it disappointing due to a lack of major first-party announcements and an over-reliance on ports and less popular franchises. Concerns are raised about whether the Nintendo Switch 2 has enough compelling games to justify its upcoming price increase, especially when compared to the more impactful presentations from PlayStation and Xbox.
Xbox 'console exclusives' are strictly about console releases, Xbox exec affirms: Games will 'still show up on all the normal places where we sell the PC version'
Xbox executives have clarified that 'console exclusives' specifically refer to releases on Xbox consoles, not PlayStation. Games designated as such will still be available on PC and through Xbox Cloud streaming. This strategy aims to differentiate Xbox from PlayStation by ensuring titles are not released on Sony's platform, while still leveraging the synergy between Xbox and PC.
Everything Announced at Nintendo Direct June 2026
Nintendo's June 2026 Direct presentation showcased a wide array of upcoming titles for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Key announcements included Rhythm Heaven Groove, Onimusha Way of the Sword, Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, Stellar Blade, and a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The presentation also revealed new entries in series like Fire Emblem, Ninjula, Xenoblade Chronicles, and Kingdom Hearts, alongside various ports and spin-offs.
"Our business today is not healthy": Xbox exec says plan for exclusive games is "not ready" but…
Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball stated that the company's current business is "not healthy" and a new plan for exclusive games is being developed under new CEO Asha Sharma. While some games like Gears of War: E-Day will be console exclusives, live-service titles will remain multi-platform, with a clearer strategy to be communicated to players soon.
Xbox Games Showcase 2026 live report - all the news and announcements as Asha Sharma presents for the first time
The Xbox Games Showcase 2026, presented by new Xbox leader Asha Sharma, will feature announcements and news starting at 6pm UK time. While Project Helix console news is confirmed to be absent, the show will include a deep dive into the Gears of War prequel E-Day. Anticipated reveals may include Clockwork Revolution, State of Decay 3, a potential Spyro reboot, The Elder Scrolls 6, and Arkane's Blade game.
