Omdia has identified four key trends pertaining to console and handheld gaming, assessing how they will shape the market and the impact they pose on key players in 2026.
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2026 Trends to Watch: Console and Handheld Gaming
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The Analyst Team
James McWhirter
Follow AnalystSenior Analyst, Games
James specializes in analyzing the markets for console hardware and software, PC games distribution platforms, and handheld gaming. As part of Omdia’s games team, he helps publishers, platform holders, components companies, and telcos make better strategic decisions. In addition to market forecasts and reports, he analyzes industry events and trends. James also supports consults concerning the wider games industry. Before joining Omdia, James worked as a research analyst in HR tech, where his insight informed business decisions and supported the development and implementation of new products powered by AI. James has also covered the market for video games across several writing roles, including as editor for a specialist website covering the Nintendo 3DS handheld console. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Royal Holloway, University of London.
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