It’s a Cross-Platform World: 61% of U.S. Gamers Play Across Multiple Devices

The gaming landscape in the United States has evolved into a multi-platform ecosystem, with 61% of gamers engaging across multiple devices. A survey conducted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) of 2,703 U.S. adults and teens highlights that gaming is a primary form of entertainment, ranking second only to television and movies for the general population, and holding the top position for Gen Z and Millennial demographics.

The data reveals distinct segments within the gaming population. Mobile remains the most widely used platform, favored by casual and older players, while "hardcore" gamers—who represent 18% of the market—are the most active, spending approximately 42 hours per week on gaming and showing a high propensity for multi-platform play, including consoles and PCs. These hardcore players are also the primary drivers of social gaming, content creation, and the adoption of emerging technologies like cloud gaming and VR.

Methodologically, the study underscores that gaming habits are heavily influenced by life stages, with activity typically peaking between the ages of six and 12, and again during high school and early college years, before tapering off due to adult obligations. Despite this, the industry continues to see strong growth, with 64% of gamers planning to purchase new hardware within the next year. However, potential economic headwinds, such as proposed tariffs on imports, could significantly increase the cost of consoles, potentially impacting market accessibility. Overall, the findings suggest that while gaming is a deeply ingrained social and entertainment habit, the industry must navigate challenges related to hardware pricing and the evolving needs of an aging player base.