What Are the Best Platforms for Game Discovery?

Recent data from Deloitte's UK division reveals that major consumer electronics, including game consoles and virtual reality devices, may have reached a plateau in adoption. The firm's annual survey of British adults shows that game consoles have reached a 40% adoption rate, while VR devices are used by around 10% of consumers. However, there are no significant new hardware form factors emerging so far in the 2020s. GameDiscoverCo suggests this indicates a stable but maturing market where most consumers who are likely to purchase gaming hardware may already have done so.

What Are the Best Platforms for Game Discovery?

Nintendo Switch 2 Sees Mixed Reception for Third-Party Titles

Insights from industry analysts and publishers point to a varied reception for the Nintendo Switch 2, particularly among third-party game releases. According to coverage by The Game Business, some third-party publishers report sales for new Switch 2 titles as falling below even their most conservative estimates, despite strong hardware sales figures. First-party Nintendo titles continue to dominate the platform. On June 19, 78 of the top 100 games on the U.S. Switch eShop were compatible with the original Switch, and 44 of those titles were first-party Nintendo releases. Among the few third-party games performing well were Cyberpunk, Fantasy Life, and Deltarune, all of which are also available on the original Switch.

In terms of physical sales, analyst Mat Piscatella noted that third-party games made up roughly 40% of Switch 2’s physical software unit sales in the first week—up from less than 20% during the original Switch’s launch month. While this shows progress, the long-term engagement for third-party content appears to require more time to build. For example, one Switch 1 game that briefly spiked in eShop sales around the Switch 2 launch saw interest fade within days, suggesting that long-term success for third-party titles depends on sustained consumer engagement.

What Are the Best Platforms for Game Discovery?

Microsoft Prepares Next-Generation Xbox With AMD Partnership

Microsoft has confirmed development of a next-generation Xbox console, developed in collaboration with AMD. The announcement was made through a brief video statement by Xbox president Sarah Bond. The upcoming console is designed to provide a flexible user experience that is not confined to a single storefront or device. This move reflects a broader industry trend toward cross-platform accessibility and signals Microsoft's continued investment in cloud integration and hardware innovation.

Steam Expands Accessibility Features for Broader Reach

Steam continues to make incremental improvements in user experience, particularly for players using Big Picture Mode and devices powered by SteamOS, such as the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S. A recent Steam Client Beta update introduces accessibility features including user interface scaling, high contrast mode, and reduced motion options. These updates are part of an ongoing effort to make Windows PC gaming more accessible to a wider audience.

What Are the Best Platforms for Game Discovery?

YouTube Gaming Content Reaches New Milestones

YouTube’s culture and trends report, marking the platform’s 20th anniversary, highlights the ongoing influence of gaming content. In 2021, Minecraft videos surpassed one trillion views on the platform. That figure has now doubled, reaching over two trillion views in 2025. Additionally, 60% of YouTube’s top 1,000 most-subscribed channels have published at least one gaming-related video, indicating gaming’s continued relevance in online media consumption and content creation.

Crowdfunding Faces Scrutiny After Game Studio Closure

The closure of the game studio behind Alzara Radiant Echoes, a Kickstarter-funded Japanese RPG that raised 294,000 euros, has drawn concern from the crowdfunding community. Despite having a playable demo and a senior development team, the studio was unable to secure a publishing deal and has ceased operations. Backers have expressed frustration over the project’s failure, citing a growing concern about the reliability of crowdfunding as a viable path for game development. This case highlights ongoing challenges in aligning backer expectations with the business realities of independent game production.

PlayStation VR 2 Loses Support for Key Title

Sony’s virtual reality platform is facing setbacks as Beat Saber, one of the most recognizable VR titles, will no longer receive updates or new content on PlayStation VR and PlayStation VR 2. Meta’s Beat Games division confirmed that while existing content and purchases will remain accessible, no additional downloadable content or multiplayer features will be supported after January 2026. This development may impact Sony’s position in the VR market, where content support is crucial to long-term adoption.

Industry Outlook Shows Continued Change

Other updates reflect ongoing changes across the gaming industry. Digital Foundry has offered a cautious perspective on the Xbox ROG Ally, with concerns about its ability to deliver a full console-like experience without heavy reliance on cloud streaming. Meanwhile, Nintendo has taken action against piracy on Switch 2 hardware, removing accounts found using unauthorized cartridges. In the user-generated content space, inZOI has launched its official ModKit in collaboration with CurseForge. New titles on Xbox Game Pass include Rematch, Warcraft I & II: Remastered, Warcraft III: Reforged, and Call of Duty: WWII.

These developments point to a gaming market that remains active and innovative, even as hardware adoption steadies and new distribution methods continue to influence content discovery and consumption. While the core platforms are stable, the broader ecosystem—especially for independent creators and third-party developers—remains dynamic and sometimes unpredictable.