U.S. Mobile Gaming Explained

Mobile is no longer a side category of gaming. It is part of the everyday U.S. gaming landscape and reaches players who may also use consoles or PCs.

Mobile reaches a large player base

The Entertainment Software Association reported in its 2025 U.S. industry data that 82% of players age 8 and older used a mobile device to play games. The figure covers a broad group rather than a single genre or platform.

Short sessions change the experience

Phones make games available during commutes, breaks and other parts of the day when a console or PC is not nearby. That makes mobile suitable for both short sessions and longer play.

Mobile and other platforms overlap

Players do not have to choose only one platform. A person can use a phone for casual play, a console for a living-room game and a PC for competitive or strategy titles. Looking at gaming as a multi-device activity gives a more complete picture of the market.

Source: Entertainment Software Association U.S. industry research. Reporting periods are identified in the relevant ESA publications.