Wondering if CS:GO or CS2 is on console in 2026? Learn why Counter-Strike remains a PC exclusive and how to open the in-game console on a 60% keyboard.
Is CS:GO or CS2 on Console in 2026? All You Need to Know
Is CS:GO or CS2 on Console in 2026? All You Need to Know
Is CS:GO or CS2 on Console in 2026? Everything You Need to Know
If you are wondering is CS:GO on console in 2026, the short answer is no. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) are not available on modern consoles. This article will explain exactly why the franchise remains a PC-exclusive, whether a console port will ever happen, and how you can access the in-game developer console if you are a PC player using a 60% keyboard.
Summary
If you are trying to find out if you can play CS:GO or CS2 on your modern console in 2026, you will be disappointed to learn that you cannot. You cannot get the current versions of these games on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, as Valve has kept the franchise strictly on PC. While you could technically play a heavily outdated version of CS:GO on the Xbox 360 or PS3 over a decade ago, modern Counter-Strike requires a PC. Furthermore, if you are a PC player trying to figure out how to open the developer console on a smaller 60% keyboard, you will need to use a specific function key combination to access it.
TLDR
- You cannot play CS:GO or CS2 on modern consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X/S in 2026.
- Valve prioritizes the PC platform to ensure rapid updates and preserve mouse-and-keyboard competitive integrity.
- There are no plans or announcements for CS2 to come to consoles in the future.
- To open the in-game developer console on a 60% keyboard, you must press Fn + Esc.
📋 Table of Contents
What is CS:GO and CS2?
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) are tactical, team-based first-person shooters developed by Valve. CS2 officially replaced CS:GO as a massive free upgrade, bringing the beloved tactical shooter onto the much more advanced Source 2 game engine. This upgrade improved the game’s graphics, smoke physics, and server tick rates. In 2026, CS2 stands as the definitive version of the game, completely replacing the old CS:GO ecosystem and continuing its legacy as the premier competitive shooter in the world.
Can You Play CS:GO or CS2 on Console?
You cannot play the modern versions of CS:GO or CS2 on current-generation consoles. If you are hoping to boot up your PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch to play a few rounds of Dust 2, you are out of luck. Valve has kept the modern iteration of the game entirely exclusive to the PC platform via Steam.
Historical Caveat: You could technically play CS:GO on a console over a decade ago. The original game was released on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2012. However, those console versions were quickly abandoned, never received the crucial updates that made the PC version popular, and are completely irrelevant to the modern 2026 gaming landscape.
Why Isn’t CS:GO on Console?
CS:GO is not on console because Valve prioritizes the PC platform, which allows for rapid, seamless game updates without passing through console certification processes. When you ask why isn’t CSGO on console, the answer comes down to logistics, competitive integrity, and business strategy.
🔄 Update Frequency
Valve updates Counter-Strike constantly to fix bugs and balance weapons. Console certification processes from Sony and Microsoft severely slow down this update pipeline.
🎯 Input Methods
The game is built entirely around mouse and keyboard precision. Implementing aim assist—which is required for controller players to compete—ruins the competitive integrity of Counter-Strike.
💰 Market Focus
Valve owns Steam, the largest PC gaming storefront. They have zero financial incentive to port their biggest game to consoles and share 30% of their revenue with Sony or Microsoft.
Is CS:GO Coming to Console in the Future?
CS:GO is not coming to console in the future, as Valve has entirely shifted its focus to maintaining CS2 strictly for PC. For those searching online to see is CSGO coming to console or will CSGO come to console anytime soon, the reality is that a console port is highly unlikely.
🎮 Pro Tip: As of 2026, Valve has made zero announcements regarding a console port for CS2. If you want to play Counter-Strike today, your only viable options are to invest in a standard gaming PC, a gaming laptop, or a handheld PC like the Steam Deck.
How to Open CS:GO Console on a 60 Keyboard
In order to open the CS:GO console on a 60 keyboard, you need to press the ‘Fn’ (Function) key in combination with the ‘Esc’ (Escape) key, which acts as the tilde (~) key on smaller layouts. When gamers search for information about Counter-Strike and consoles, they are often referring to the in-game developer terminal rather than a PlayStation or Xbox.
If you are trying to figure out how to open CS GO console on 60 keyboard, follow these simple steps:
- Enable the Developer Console: First, go into your in-game settings, navigate to the “Game” tab, and set “Enable Developer Console (~)” to “Yes”.
- Locate the Fn Key: Find the Function (Fn) key, usually located on the bottom right of your 60% keyboard layout.
- Press the Combination: Press Fn + Esc simultaneously. On most 60% keyboards, the Escape key doubles as the tilde (~) key when the Function button is held down. If your specific keyboard brand maps the tilde key elsewhere, check your manual for the exact secondary function layout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you get CSGO on console?
No, you cannot get the modern version of CS:GO or CS2 on any modern console in 2026. It is strictly a PC exclusive available via the Steam platform.
Is CS GO 2 on console?
CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) is not on console. Valve launched the game exclusively for PC, completely replacing the original CS:GO without offering a PlayStation or Xbox port.
Why is CS GO not on console anymore?
While it was briefly available on the PS3 and Xbox 360, it is no longer on console because Valve stopped updating those versions. They chose to focus entirely on the competitive PC ecosystem where mouse-and-keyboard gameplay thrives and updates can be pushed instantly.
Written by
Conor Byrne
