Are fewer people now using consoles and switching to mobile games?

World of Tanks: HEAT

You’ve probably noticed how easy it feels to pick up your phone and jump into a quick game, whether you’re commuting or relaxing at home. At the same time, big console releases still draw huge attention and long play sessions. So, it’s fair to ask whether players are actually leaving consoles behind for mobile.

The short answer is no. The latest industry data shows a more balanced picture, where both platforms grow but in very different ways. Understanding that shift helps you make better choices about how and where you play.

  • Console growth is outpacing mobile

If you expected mobile to be pulling players away from consoles, the data tells a different story. According to Newzoo’s Global Games Market Report 2025, consoles are currently the fastest-growing segment, with growth of around +5.5% year-on-year.

This growth reflects how players still value deeper experiences. When you sit down with a console, you commit to longer sessions, richer storytelling and more competitive gameplay. Developers have leaned into this by releasing a huge range of great console games in 2025 that keep you coming back.

  • Mobile still dominates

However, mobile gaming hasn’t lost its position at the top. It remains the largest segment by far, generating about $103 billion in revenue and roughly 55% of the market.

Yet growth has slowed to around +2.9%, especially in more mature regions. This slowdown suggests saturation rather than decline. In other words, most people who want to play on mobile already do.

  • Player behaviour is changing

The most important shift is less about abandoning one platform for another, and more about how you use both. The global player base has reached around 3.6 billion people, which shows that more players are entering the market overall.

You might play a console game in the evening, then switch to your phone during the day. This pattern reflects a mix of deep and casual play rather than a full transition.

This behaviour also explains the rise of simple, accessible formats. For example, many players now turn to mobile-friendly options like bingo sites because they can join quickly, play in short bursts and still feel part of a social experience. This flexibility fits neatly into busy routines without replacing more involved console sessions.

The final verdict…

Instead of a mass exodus, what we’re witnessing is a behavioural shift where players use multiple platforms for different needs. Console gaming continues to grow because it delivers depth and quality, while mobile remains dominant because it offers speed and accessibility.

You don’t need to choose platform over the other. If you match your choice to your time, mood and preferences, you’ll get more out of gaming as a whole.