How New Valve Hardware Will Shape the Future for Gamers and Game Developers

Valve has always played a strange but powerful role in gaming hardware.
They never chase console wars.
They don’t try to “replace” PCs.
Instead, every piece of hardware they release, from the Steam Controller to the Index to the Steam Deck, changes how players interact with their libraries, and how developers think about performance, design, and compatibility.

A new generation of Valve hardware is coming, and both gamers and developers should understand what it means for the ecosystem.

Here’s a clear breakdown of how it helps gamers, how it helps developers, and what each group needs to be aware of.

1. What New Valve Hardware Means for Gamers

More power and better performance

A newer device always means:

• higher FPS

• better thermals

• more stable frame times

• improved battery life

• less noise and heat
  

For gamers, this translates to:

• smoother gameplay

• fewer drops in demanding titles

• unlocked visual settings that were previously impossible

Handheld gaming continues becoming “real PC gaming,” not a compromise.

Bigger compatibility out-of-the-box

Valve heavily optimizes:

• Proton

• driver layers

• Steam Input

• OS-level profiles
  

So even older games:

• run better

• crash less

• “just work” without tweaking
  

Every new device improves the ecosystem for all Steam players.

A unified control, input, and UI experience

Gamers get:

• better gyro

• more accurate sticks

• improved haptics

• updated SteamOS UI

• faster load times
  

This makes handheld and couch-PC gaming feel more premium and modern.

Quality-of-life improvements

Gamers should expect:

• better screen (brightness, resolution, color accuracy)

• better battery

• quieter cooling

• USB-C improvements

• quicker resume/sleep

• more stable updates
  

All of these drastically improve day-to-day usability.

A stronger Steam ecosystem

New hardware pushes Valve to:

• improve cloud sync

• redesign overlays

• upgrade controller layout libraries

• introduce new optimization layers
  

This benefits every Steam user , not just those who buy the device.

2. What New Valve Hardware Means for Game Developers

A larger audience + more potential players

The Steam Deck already expanded the PC market by millions of handheld users.
A new device = more hardware sold = more players who can run your game.

This means:

• more wishlists

• more sales

• more active users

• more Steam visibility
  

Especially for indies with strong optimization.

Unified performance expectations

Developers can rely on:

• a known GPU/CPU target

• predictable performance curves

• consistent controller layout

• stable OS build
  

This makes optimization far easier than trying to target:

PC variability = thousands of configurations
Valve hardware = one consistent baseline

If your game runs well on Valve hardware, you’re covered for a huge segment of Steam users.

Increased demand for optimization

A new device always brings new standards:

• better shaders

• faster loading

• more efficient rendering

• compatibility with newer APIs

• higher poly and texture expectations
  

Developers who embrace this will stand out.
Those who ignore it will get punished with “Not Deck Verified” and performance complaints.

New input methods = new gameplay possibilities

Valve loves experimenting with:

• touchpads

• gyro

• adaptive triggers

• haptic feedback

• custom control layers

• back buttons
  

Developers can take advantage of:

• more precise aiming systems

• alternative movement schemes

• accessibility-friendly mechanics
  

This expands design possibilities beyond standard controller input.

Better testing tools for devs

Valve always provides:

• improved Steam Deck developer mode

• new performance overlays

• new APIs

• new profiling tools

• better Steam Input templates
  

This helps devs understand real-world performance and fix issues earlier.

3. What Game Developers Need to Be Aware Of (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Larger audience

• Better performance baseline

• More consistent input layouts

• Easier optimization

• Better Steam reviews from Deck users

• Higher chance of being “Verified”

• More long-tail visibility
  

Cons (Things Devs Must Prepare For)

1. Performance expectations jump immediately

Players expect:

• 40–60 FPS

• stable frame times

• good battery mode performance

• minimal shader stutter
  

If your game is heavy or unoptimized, reviews will reflect it.

2. Control schemes must be perfect

If the new device updates:

• gyro

• trackpads

• haptics

• touch controls
  

Developers must update Steam Input profiles.
Bad control setups = instant negative reviews.

3. UI readability becomes critical

Handheld = small screen.
Developers need:

• scalable fonts

• high color contrast

• larger UI elements

• flexible layout options
  

A UI designed for 4K monitors will not work out-of-the-box.

4. More devices mean more testing and QA

Especially if Valve introduces:

• new screen resolutions

• new aspect ratios

• new performance modes
  

Compatibility guidelines must be updated.

4. What Gamers Need to Know (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• smoother games

• more compatibility

• better graphics

• more stable SteamOS

• longer support lifespan

• better controls

• faster UI
  

Cons

• older games might not use new features

• higher expectations for performance = more demanding on devs

• some early titles may not be optimized immediately

• new hardware = new accessories required (cases, docks, etc.)

• increased community pressure on devs to “fix Deck issues”
  

Conclusion: A New Valve Device Helps Everyone
But Requires Adaptation

A new generation of Valve hardware is a net positive for the gaming world.
It pushes innovation, raises standards, and grows the Steam ecosystem.

For gamers:

• better performance

• better experience

• better compatibility
  

For developers:

• more sales

• more visibility

• clearer optimization targets
  

But there’s a catch:

Every hardware improvement raises player expectations.
And developers must meet those expectations to benefit from the new wave of users.

VALVE HARDWARE (Steam Deck & future devices)

(This includes Steam Deck, upcoming Valve handhelds, and any new Steam-OS devices)

1. You don’t “apply” Valve tests automatically

If your game is on Steam, Valve will eventually test it.
But you can request faster testing if needed (e.g. before launch).

You do this inside Steamworks on Deck Verified section.

2. You submit a build normally

No special SDKs
No separate submission route
No platform fee
No platform locks

Just make sure your:

• latest build is uploaded

• Steam Input is set correctly

• Controller support is labeled correctly

• Proton compatibility is solid (for Windows games)
  

3. Valve tests these categories:

✔ Input
Game must be playable fully with controller

✔ Display
Text must be readable on handheld screens
No UI cut off
No tiny fonts

✔ Performance
Stable framerate
No shader stutter
No heavy battery drain

✔ System experience
No launchers
No DRM conflicts
No anti-cheat breakage
No forced pop-ups outside Steam

4. The result is one of:

🎉 Verified works perfectly
👍 Playable works, but may need tweaks
⚠️ Unsupported issues discovered
❌ Unsupported on Deck fails boot or input

5. If you get rejected:

You’ll receive specific reasons in Steamworks:

Example:

• "Needs on-screen keyboard support"

• "Font too small"

• "Launcher requires mouse"
  

You fix → you resubmit → Valve re-tests

No penalty. No “strike system.”
They want you to pass.

6. You can improve your chances by:

• Support Steam Input API

• Add a “Gamepad UI mode”

• Make text scalable

• Offer 800p + FSR + 40FPS option

• Reduce shader compilation moments

• Support Quick Resume properly

• Avoid external anti-cheat setups
  

7. The BIG advantage vs consoles:

Valve does NOT require:

• certification gates

• TRC/TCR checklists

• multi-week approval

• exclusivity

• platform fees

• NDAs

• special builds
  

They test your actual Steam version.

NOW COMPARE WITH CONSOLES

NINTENDO SWITCH

✔ Requires dev account + hardware kit
✔ Build with Nintendo SDK
✔ Must pass Lotcheck Certification
❌ Strict performance and crash rules
❌ Long approval delays (2–6+ weeks)
❌ Nintendo can reject for anything

PLAYSTATION (PS4 / PS5)

✔ Must become a registered PlayStation Partner
✔ Must use Sony SDK + devkit
✔ Must follow TRC (Technical Requirements Checklist)
✔ Must integrate Sony services (Trophy, user login, etc.)
❌ Usually requires publisher relationship
❌ Approval cycles can take months
❌ Sony reserves right to reject on “design grounds”
❌ Patch submission also certified separately

XBOX (Series / One)

✔ Developer program OR ID@Xbox
✔ Must use Xbox GDK
✔ Must pass XR certification
✔ Must support Xbox achievement system
✔ Must support suspend/resume
❌ Microsoft can enforce Game Pass conversations
❌ QA checks are strict and manual
❌ Patches must be re-certified

THE CORE DIFFERENCE

Valve hardware verification:

• No gatekeeping

• No fees

• No platform legal docs

• No exclusive builds

• No redesign

• No SDK obligation

• Done in ~days

• Fix → resubmit → done
  

Console certification:

• Must join the ecosystem

• Legal approval first

• Special SDK needed

• TRC violation = instant fail

• Rejections = delay

• Re-submission cost (time & money)

• 6–18 months from start to launch (often)
  

TL;DR VERSION

Valve’s hardware verification =
“Make sure your game runs and controls well. We’ll test it.”

Console certification =
“Prove you’ve followed hundreds of rules. Then we might let you in.”

Nintendo Developer Portal: https://developer.nintendo.com/

• Microsoft Xbox Developer / Publishing Programs: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-US/games/publish Microsoft developer
  

• PlayStation Partners Program (Sony): https://partners.playstation.net/
  
  HOW TO GET YOUR GAME ON CONSOLES
  
  FULL DEV CHECKLIST
  

  1. NINTENDO SWITCH

  (Indies welcome, friendliest entry path, still has hoops)

  Official Portal:

  https://developer.nintendo.com/
  

  Step-by-step process:
  

  1. Sign up as a Nintendo Developer
  

  • Requires company details

  • Takes 2–30 days

  • They may decline low-effort applications
    

  2. Wait for approval access to the portal
  

  3. Apply for Switch Dev Kits
  

  • can come with a cost

  • Not everyone is approved

  • You need a good pitch, screenshots, build
    

  4. Port your game using Nintendo SDK
  

  • Unity & Unreal supported

  • Custom engines = harder
    

  5. Development must follow Nintendo guidelines
  

  • ESRB + IARC ratings

  • Save system rules

  • Crash-free

  • Proper logos & button glyphs
    

  6. Submit to LOTCHECK Certification
  
  This is Nintendo’s QA gate.
  If it fails, you fix & resubmit.
  

  Switch Timeline:
  

  • Signup approval: 1–4 weeks

  • Dev kit approval: 1–4 weeks

  • Porting: 1–6 months

  • Lotcheck certification: 2–6 weeks

  • Resubmission: +2–4 weeks
    

  Nintendo Pitfalls:
  

  • You MUST have a company (not a hobbyist)

  • They reject people with no clear project

  • No self-publishing on the eShop without certification

  • Performance requirements are strict

  • Switch memory is tiny , crashes = fail

  • LOTCHECK rejections cause huge delays
    

  2. PLAYSTATION (PS4 & PS5)

  (Biggest brand, strictest approval, hardest for new indies)
  

  Official Portal:
  

  https://partners.playstation.net/
  

  Step-by-step process:
  

  1. Apply to become a PlayStation Partner
  

  • Requires company details

  • They often reject solo devs & prototypes

  • Must look professional
    

  2. Sign NDAs & legal docs
  

  3. Order PS4/PS5 Dev Kits
  

  • can come with a cost

  • Sony approves per-project

  • They can say “no” if you have no publisher
    

  4. Port using Sony’s SDK (PS5 GDK)
  

  • Unity & Unreal supported

  • Custom engines = brutal
    

  5. Follow TRC (Technical Requirements Checklist)
  
  It’s HUGE , 200+ rules.
  
  Some examples:
  

  • Trophies required

  • Login behavior must match PSN

  • Suspend/resume must work

  • Controller disconnect handling

  • Store text rules

  • NO crashes EVER
    

  6. Submit to Sony certification
  

  • They may fail you for content, not just bugs
    

  PlayStation Timeline:
  

  • Approval: 1–3 months

  • Dev kit approval: 1–3 months

  • Porting: 2–12 months

  • TRC prep: 1–2 months

  • Cert approval: 6–12 weeks

  • Rejection penalty: weeks lost
    

  Sony Pitfalls:
  

  • They care about production value

  • They silently reject devs with unfinished games

  • TRC is more important than performance

  • You must integrate trophies

  • They may require a publisher

  • Certification is stressful & slow

  • Patch updates have to be re-certified
    

  3. XBOX (Series S/X & Xbox One)

  (Most developer-friendly console ecosystem)
  

  Official Portal:

  https://developer.microsoft.com/en-US/games/publish
  

  There are TWO ways in:
  

  A. Xbox Partner Program (full store support)
  

  Publish like any AAA
  

  Steps:
  

  1. Apply to ID@Xbox

  2. Get approval

  3. Access SDK + Dev kits

  4. Pass XR certification

  5. Release to Xbox store + Game Pass options
     

  B. Xbox Creator Program (no approval required)
  

  Faster, easier ,but limited store placement

  No dev kit required
  No manual approval
  But:

  • No Achievements

  • No Game Pass

  • No Xbox store promos

  • Listed in a separate area
    

  Xbox Process (full publishing):
  

  1. Apply

  2. Get dev account

  3. Verify business identity

  4. Order dev kits

  5. Port using GDK

  6. Integrate:

     • Achievements

     • Xbox Live

     • Suspend/Resume

  7. Submit to XR Certification

  8. Fix issues

  9. Release
     

  Xbox Timeline:
  

  • Approval: 1–8 weeks

  • Devkits: 2–6 weeks

  • Porting: 2–6 months

  • XR Cert: 2–6 weeks

  • Patch cert: 1–2 weeks
    

  Xbox Pitfalls:
  

  • Must support suspend/resume

  • Must support safe area UI

  • Must pass memory use checks

  • Must support offline mode

  • Achievements not optional (full program)

  • Non-Unity engines require more work
    

  WHAT’S EASIEST?

  Easiest to:

  • get access: Xbox Creator Program

  • get dev kit: Nintendo

  • get certified: Valve Deck / SteamOS

  • self-publish: Steam

  • get visibility: Xbox Game Pass

  • get prestige: PlayStation
    

  Hardest platform overall: PlayStation
  

  🔧 PORTING TIP FOR ALL CONSOLES

  If you're using:

  • Unity

  • Unreal Engine

  You’re already 60–80% of the way there.

  If you built your own engine?
  Prepare for pain.
  

  IMPORTANT:
  
  NONE OF THESE SUPPORT PIRATED GAMES

  You must:
  

  • have rights to everything

  • pass rating boards

  • obey platform laws

  • publish legally
    
    💡 Tip: GRANTS

    1. Xbox:

       • ID@Xbox: The ID@Xbox program is Microsoft's initiative to support independent developers. It provides resources, development kits, and potentially funding for qualified developers to create and publish games on Xbox platforms.
         

    2. PlayStation:

       • PlayStation Indies: Sony's PlayStation Indies program supports indie developers. While details about funding opportunities may vary, PlayStation often collaborates with indie developers to bring unique games to their platform.
         

    3. Nintendo:

       • Nintendo Developer Portal: Nintendo provides resources and support for game developers. Funding opportunities may not be as explicitly outlined as in some other programs, but Nintendo works with developers to bring engaging content to their platforms.
         

       1. Xbox Game Development: Microsoft provides a hub for Xbox developer content, including links to education and support resources for building and shipping PC and Xbox console titles using the Game Development Kit (GDK)
          

       2. ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program: This program offers non-recoupable funding to help teams offset the cost of porting their games. It has helped 100 emerging independent developers bring their games to players on Xbox
          

       3. Developer Acceleration Program: This new program empowers underrepresented creators around the world to bring their creativity, innovation, and originality to Xbox platforms
          

       4. Indie Dev Program: Microsoft’s Xbox indie dev program provides funding and resources for a small number of promising developers to support them in creating prototypes of their video games
          

       For more detailed information, you can visit the official Microsoft Game Dev
       

       1. PlayStation Partners: PlayStation offers a program where you can sign up for access to industry-leading tools and support.
          

       Xbox Game Pass does offer funding to developers. Here’s how it works:
       

       1. Flat Fee Payment:
          
          For some developers, Microsoft pays a flat fee for a game to be included in the Game Pass on its launch day

       This creates a guaranteed return for the developers, protecting them from any downside risk .
       
       Full Funding:
       In some cases, Microsoft may fund the entire production cost of a game.
       
       The developers can then earn money from retail sales, and Microsoft may also allow these games to be released on other platforms like PlayStation, Switch, and PC
       
       Usage-Based Deals:
       
       Some developers have approached Microsoft for deals based on usage and monetization. Microsoft is open to experimenting with many different partners to figure out the best models.
       
       ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program:
       
       This program has helped 100 emerging independent developers offset the cost of bringing their games to players on Xbox. It offers non-recoupable funding to help teams offset the cost of porting their games.
       

       Since the launch of the Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft has paid developers and publishers hundreds of millions of dollars in Game Pass license fees.
       Independent developers have earned more than $2.5 billion in royalties.
       

       Top 5 Scholarships for Gamers (2023) and How to Apply

       Funding — Videogames and Esports Foundation
       

    💡 Tip:

    1. Reddit:
       

       • r/gaming: A general gaming subreddit with a vast user base.

       • r/GameDev: For game developers, a place to discuss game development and industry news.

       • r/IndieDev: Focuses on indie game development.

       • r/Unity3D: Unity game development community.

       • r/unrealengine: Unreal Engine community.
         

    2. Xbox:
       

       • r/xboxone: General Xbox One community.

       • r/XboxSeriesX: For the latest Xbox Series X news and discussions.
         

    3. PlayStation:
       

       • r/PS4: General PlayStation 4 community.

       • r/PS5: For the latest PlayStation 5 news and discussions.
         

    4. Nintendo:
       

       • r/NintendoSwitch: General Nintendo Switch community.

       • r/NintendoSwitchDevelop: For Nintendo Switch game developers.
         

    5. Esports:
       

       • r/esports: General esports discussions.
         

    💡 Tip: Forums:
    

    1. Xbox:
       

       • Xbox Forums: Official forums for Xbox discussions and support.
         

    2. PlayStation:
       

       • PlayStation Community: Official PlayStation forums for community discussions.

       • PSNProfiles: Community for PlayStation trophy hunters.
         

    3. Nintendo:
       

       • Nintendo Tech Forums: Technical discussions on Nintendo platforms.

       • ResetEra - Nintendo: Nintendo discussions on the ResetEra forum.
         

    4. General Game Development:
       

       • Unity Forum: Unity's official forum for game developers.

       • Unreal Engine Forums: Unreal Engine community discussions.

       • GameDev.net Forums: General game development discussions.
         

    5. Esports:
       

       • TeamLiquid: Esports community covering various games.

       • EsportsTalk Forum: Discussions on various esports titles.
         

    💡 Tip: NEWS :

    1. IGN - Console Section:
       

       • Website: IGN - Console
         

       • Description: IGN covers a variety of gaming content, and its console section provides news, reviews, and features specifically related to console gaming.
         

    2. GameSpot - Console Section:
       

       • Website: GameSpot - Consoles

       • Description: GameSpot is a popular gaming website, and its console section offers news, reviews, and discussions about console games and hardware.
         

    3. Polygon - Consoles:
       

       • Website: Polygon - Consoles

       • Description: Polygon's console section focuses on news, reviews, and features related to gaming consoles.
         

    4. Push Square:
       

       • Website: Push Square

       • Description: Push Square specializes in PlayStation coverage, providing news, reviews, and features about PlayStation games and consoles.
         

    5. Nintendo Life:
       

       • Website: Nintendo Life

       • Description: Nintendo Life is dedicated to news, reviews, and features about Nintendo platforms, including the Switch.
         

    Game development has never been a more exciting venture, for both hobbyists and career creators. Hardware is growing more powerful with every iteration, and these advancements have taken software along for the ride.
    
    You can harness this great innovation to develop immersive gaming experiences.

    Each company’s software development kit (SDK) powers the development process.
    
    SDKs provide you with a collection of tools and frameworks in one convenient package. These resources are essential since they’re tailored to specific hardware-software combinations.
    
    Microsoft provides its own SDK for the Xbox platform, Sony for the PlayStation, and so on. The Xbox runs a modified version of Windows 10, while PlayStation runs on Orbis OS (Free BSD), and Nintendo uses a version of FreeBSD.
    

    Each company’s offerings are uniquely configured, meaning you’ll need to access the appropriate toolset for your game. Your console preferences will steer this decision. The gaming world is wide open for independent developers. We’ll walk through the development process for the industry’s household names below.
    

    GETTING AN XBOX DEVELOPER KIT

    Xbox development offers a largely unfragmented experience across a trio of consoles: the Xbox One S, One X, and more recent Series X.
    
    Microsoft gives indie developers two main registration pathways:
    
    The ID@Xbox Program and the Xbox Live Creators Program. You may opt into the ID@Xbox Program to obtain the SDK for all devices, but individual developers will likely enroll in the Creators Program,it presents fewer barriers compared to ID@Xbox, and its relaxed requirements make the process friendlier.
    

    As a bonus, you can also access the Xbox Live SDK a supplementary kit for integrating online gameplay. Below are detailed tutorials for each method. We’ll also provide instructions for receiving testing hardware.
    

    Obtaining Your SDK through ID@Xbox

    1. Navigate to Microsoft’s ID@Xbox Program (Independent Developer Program) website here.
       

    2. Register by clicking the green button labeled “Apply to the Program Now”. This takes you to an application form where you can enter your studio’s details, contact information, and legal signatories.
       

    3. Reach out to Microsoft to discuss your game. Prior to downloading your SDK, you must choose which platform you’ll release your title on.
       

    4. After approval, you move to the Build stage. Here is where you gain access to your Xbox SDK! These tools include plenty of documentation.
       

    5. You can publish and update your game after building for your preferred platform.

    Obtaining Your SDK through the Xbox Live Creators Program

    1. Navigate to the Xbox Live Creators Program website here.
       

    2. Create a developer account. This incurs a single charge
       

    3. Now you may access your SDK! The Creators Program nixes the concept approval process, allowing you to immediately develop and integrate Xbox Live.
       

    4. You can publish your game on Xbox One or Windows 10 after testing.
       
       

    Obtaining Your Xbox Live Developer Platform SDK

    1. Navigate to the Xbox Live Developer Platform website here. You must be registered with one of Microsoft’s developer programs before accessing the Live Developer Platform’s resources.
       

    2. Enter the Build stage to access the Xbox Live SDK and related kits, as well as their corresponding documentation.
       

    Obtaining Testing Hardware

    Approved Xbox One developers receive two hardware development kits free of charge, according to Microsoft’s notes.
    
    This is the preferred route for Managed Partners or ID@Xbox developers.
    
    Partnered developers test using the Xbox One, but may also order customized hardware for “more in-depth performance testing and console management.” Developers who need more than two units must purchase additional kits through Microsoft.
    

    To cut through the red tape, Xbox Live Creators Program members can also use retail Xbox One consoles to test their games.
    
    Developers must remember that this method is tailored to Universal Windows Platform (UWP) titles. Games made using the traditional SDK are not available for testing on retail devices.
    
    Those without an account must create a Dev Center account for $19. No other add-ons are required.
    

    GETTING A PLAYSTATION DEVELOPER KIT

    Should you wish to develop for PlayStation, you have your choice of two consoles: the PS4 and PS4 Pro.
    
    Individual developers, small startups, and large studios can join the PlayStation Partners Program. This is the preferred method for getting your hands on a PlayStation SDK.
    

    You may gain special SDK access if you’re a university student. PlayStation extends academic partnerships to eligible schools, giving budding developers access to essential tools.
    

    This detailed tutorial will get you started:
    

    Obtaining Your SDK through the PlayStation Partners Program (PPP)

    1. Navigate to the PlayStation Partners Program website here.

    2. Click the “Join PlayStation” button at the top of the page, or one of the two identical buttons further down the page.

    3. Under the “Game Developers and Publishers” section, select the option that applies to you.
       Follow the application completely and submit all the required information.

    4. Following approval, you’re ready to begin developing with PlayStation! This enables SDK access for both consoles.

    5. You can market and self-publish on the PlayStation Store after finalizing your game.

    Obtaining Your SDK Under “Other Business Types”

    If you’re interested in attaining your SDK outside of the Partners Program, follow these steps:
    

    1. Navigate to the PlayStation Partners Program website here.
       

    2. Click the “Join PlayStation” button at the top of the page, or one of the two identical buttons further down the page.
       

    3. Choose the link corresponding to your location under the “Other Business Types” section.
       

    4. Should you choose to develop on PlayStation Mobile, select that option and follow the instructions. This uses separate tools from the console SDK.

    Choosing the Academia Option

    1. Choose “University/Academia Programs” if you’d like to secure an SDK through PlayStation’s special programs.

    2. Select your preferred platform, distribution method, and enter pertinent information.

    3. Fill out all applicable forms and click “Submit”.

    4. Following acceptance to the program, you may start building using PlayStation’s SDK.
       

    Obtaining Testing Hardware

    By virtue of being a PlayStation partner, developers have access to customized development hardware for their titles.
    
    This requires developers to follow the steps included in the SDK tutorials above. Creators must submit appropriate forms and sign an NDA through the PlayStation Partners Program portal to secure these dev kits. University partners may also secure hardware through the same channel.
    

    • You must be an authorized developer with official testing hardware to test games on the PlayStation platform.
      
      PlayStation owners with retail consoles cannot test games, unlike with Xbox.

    Development kits aren’t approved for resale, leaving eBay and other pre-owned sales platforms out of the equation.
    
    These consoles are covered by NDA and are IP-locked.
    This means developers must access hardware through official channels.
    PlayStation kits also expire at a predetermined date, after which they must be renewed or decommissioned.
    

    Various online sources suggest each PlayStation 4 dev kit costs , Sony has also started releasing PS5 dev kits ahead of its Winter 2020 release. Pricing for that remains unclear.
    

    GETTING A NINTENDO DEVELOPER KIT

    If you want to develop for Nintendo, you’ll predominantly create games for the Nintendo Switch.
    The company provides a centralized location for all developers, no matter the device.
    
    Nintendo is indie and newcomer-friendly, requiring no prior development experience or payment upon registration.
    

    Nintendo’s guidelines for Switch development aren’t 100% clear, but online sources can point us in the right direction.
    
    Here’s the tutorial:
    

    Obtaining Your SDK through the Nintendo Developer Portal

    1. Navigate to the Nintendo Developer Portal website here.
       

    2. Click the Register button at the top of the page, or select from two additional links further down the page.
       

    3. Create a new Nintendo account.
       

    4. After choosing either “Organization” or “Individual”, fill out the forms and click “Review Application”. Confirm your details and submit.
       

    5. Sign in to the Nintendo Developer Portal using your new account details here.
       

    6. After signing an NDA and accepting Nintendo’s terms of service, you can access your SDK!
       

    7. Nintendo is hands-off until your game nears completion.
       Submit your game to Nintendo when finished, prepare your marketing materials, then launch.

    Special Note: Various online sources, including former Switch developers, have suggested that you must directly pitch your game to Nintendo prior to final development.
    

    Obtaining Testing Hardware

    You must be a registered developer and have an active agreement with Nintendo to receive a dev kit.
    
    For this reason, retail Switch owners cannot use their devices for game development.
    

    You can order dev kits through the Nintendo Developer Portal. However, for the Switch, you must contact Nintendo to request a kit.
    
    Developers can do so by sending a form or calling the company directly.
    

    During the Game Creators Conference of 2017, Nintendo announced the price of a Switch dev kit to be approximately $450.
    This is significantly less than the Wii U’s $2,500 price tag. However, quite some time has passed since that announcement, and the current price of a Switch dev kit is unconfirmed.

    Becoming a Game Developer is now easier than ever

    Obtaining development materials from the Big Three is encouragingly straightforward.
    
    You don’t have to jump through numerous hoops as a developer, nor must you contend with pay-to-play systems.
    
    Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo have democratized SDK retrieval by making their programs accessible. Building a top-notch game on your terms is easy.
    

    It is necessary to obtain hardware through official channels only via Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo.
    
    Consulting resellers like eBay isn’t a reliable way to secure testing hardware. While some costs are expensive, game development for individuals and small studios is certainly within reach. These opportunities will pave the way for an exciting new wave of indie titles.