Is CS:GO 2 on Console in 2026? Availability & Guide

Is CS:GO 2 on Console in 2026? Availability, History, and Keyboard Guides

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and its successor, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), are primarily PC-based tactical shooters. If you are wondering whether you can play CS:GO or CS2 on a PlayStation or Xbox in 2026, the short answer is no for modern platforms, though the original game did have a limited release on older console generations. This article explores the current availability of the Counter-Strike franchise on consoles, the reasons behind Valve’s PC-focused strategy, and a quick guide on how to open the in-game developer console using a 60% keyboard.

What is Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)?

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter developed by Valve. It represents a massive technological leap for the franchise and serves as the definitive competitive experience for tactical shooter fans.

• CS2 is the direct, free-to-play upgrade and replacement for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), bringing all your previous weapon skins and progress into a modern framework.
• It runs on the highly capable Source 2 engine, offering you optimised graphics, fully updated maps, and dynamic, responsive smoke grenade physics that react to lighting, gunfire, and explosions.
• As of 2026, it remains one of the most played games globally on Steam, boasting millions of active daily players and a thriving esports scene.

Is CS:GO or CS2 on Console?

If you are frequently searching online to find out is CS GO on console or is CS GO 2 on console, the reality is quite disappointing for couch gamers. You simply cannot play the modern iteration of the game on anything other than a PC. However, the history of the franchise does have a brief console chapter.

• If you are wondering can you get CSGO on console, the answer is technically yes, but only the original 2012 version. CS:GO was released on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
• These console versions of the original CS:GO were quickly abandoned by Valve. They received almost no updates, meaning they lack all the modern maps, weapon balances, and visual upgrades found in the PC version.
• Because CS2 is strictly PC-only, console players looking for alternative tactical or competitive shooters on PS5 should check out the latest PlayStation Plus monthly free games to find new titles to play.

Why is CS:GO Not on Console?

CS:GO is not on console because the game’s core mechanics are strictly designed and optimised for a mouse and keyboard. Translating the hyper-competitive nature of Counter-Strike to a controller presents numerous developmental and gameplay hurdles.

People often ask why is CS GO not on console or why isn’t CSGO on console. The reasons come down to gameplay mechanics, corporate strategy, and update logistics:

Will CS:GO Come to Console in the Future?

CS:GO is not coming to console in the foreseeable future, as Valve remains entirely focused on the PC ecosystem. The developer has shown zero interest in dividing their player base or dedicating resources to console ports.

• If you want to play the game, you will need to invest in a desktop PC, a gaming laptop, or a handheld PC device like the Steam Deck (which runs on Valve’s own SteamOS).
• Readers who are disappointed by the lack of CS:GO on modern Xbox consoles can always explore other upcoming Xbox Game Pass releases to find their next favourite multiplayer shooter.

How to Open the CS:GO Console on a 60% Keyboard

In order to open the CS:GO console on a 60% keyboard, you need to use a secondary key binding, as these smaller keyboards lack a dedicated tilde (~) key. The developer console is essential for adjusting your crosshair, changing radar settings, and inputting custom practice commands.

If you are struggling with how to open CS GO console on 60 keyboard, follow this quick step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Enable the Console

Boot up CS2, navigate to your in-game settings, and ensure the “Enable Developer Console (~)” setting is switched to “Yes”.

Step 2: Use the Fn Shortcut

Press the Fn (Function) key + Esc (Escape) key simultaneously. On most 60% Australian and US keyboard layouts, this specific combination registers as the tilde/backtick key.

Alternative: Rebind the Key

If pressing two keys at once in the heat of a match is frustrating, go to your CS2 Keyboard/Mouse settings. You can rebind the console toggle to a more accessible single key, such as a spare side mouse button or an unused letter key.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common questions regarding CS:GO, CS2, and console compatibility.

Can I play CS2 with a controller on PC?

Yes, you can plug an Xbox or PlayStation controller into your PC to play CS2. Steam natively supports controller inputs. However, you will be at a severe disadvantage against mouse and keyboard players due to the complete lack of aim assist in the game.

Are the old CS:GO console servers still online?

While the Xbox 360 version of CS:GO is backwards compatible on newer Xbox consoles, the player base in 2026 is virtually non-existent. Furthermore, the game is entirely disconnected from the modern CS2 experience, meaning there is no crossplay, no skin market, and no updated graphics.

Upgrade Your PC Gaming Setup

To get the most out of Counter-Strike 2, you need hardware that can keep up with the fast-paced action. Since you cannot play on a console, investing in a good PC setup is absolutely essential for climbing the competitive ranks.