PS5 and Switch 2 dominate GDC survey, with only 20% of devs prioritizing Xbox consoles

As the Game Developers Conference on March 9th approaches, organizers have released a new State of the Game Industry survey. The report predicts which platforms may soon see a surge in new titles. While devs prefer making PC games, the PS5 and Switch 2 are the most popular consoles. Meanwhile, amid declining hardware revenue, interest in Xbox systems has fallen sharply.

The Xbox may be dead to some devs

As Video Games Chronicle discusses, over 2300 game industry professionals participated in the GDC survey. One question asked, “Which platform(s) most interest you as a developer right now?” With respondents allowed to choose multiple selections, at 80%, the PC was the clear winner. The PS5 and Steam Deck are next at 40%, followed by the Switch 2 at 39%, with the Xbox Series X|S trailing at 20%.

Like in the 2025 report, desktop and laptop gaming remain a top priority for these creators. No individual console has the same massive user base, and popular marketplaces like Steam have fewer restrictions. That support even extends to the Linux-based Steam Deck, which scored an impressive 40%.

Nevertheless, the gaming market remains lucrative for Sony and Nintendo. Rumors of slow dev kit shipments may have delayed the arrival of some third-party Switch 2 games. The GDC survey suggests that if the tools are available, the pace of new releases should continue to accelerate.

Studios have begun to move on from the Series X|S

With Microsoft’s multi-platform campaign in full swing, some studios have even cancelled ports for Xbox consoles. The company’s latest Fiscal Year 2026 Q2 earnings statement revealed a 32% decline in hardware revenue compared to the previous year. With fewer new adopters of the Series X|S, it makes less sense to spend resources on ports.

The trend is recent, as confirmed by another query. 40% of those questioned used the Xbox Series X|S in a recent game or project. The PS5 was only marginally ahead at 47%.

Microsoft’s shift away from hardware will only benefit the PC, PS5, and possibly the Switch 2. First-party Xbox games that used to be exclusive to its consoles will launch on Windows and competing platforms.