Hearthstone has yet to make its debut on consoles, including platforms like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, but Blizzard is actively considering this expansion.
"It’s a different landscape now, especially with our new ownership compared to three years ago..."
Blizzard addressed the ongoing absence of their popular collectible card game, Hearthstone, from consoles, even 12 years after its initial release. While the game can be played on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, it has not transitioned to console platforms like the Switch 2 or the Steam Deck. In discussing their strategy, the developers indicated that being under Microsoft and Xbox's umbrella has heightened the priority of bringing Hearthstone to these gaming consoles.
"To make this a reality, we need to invest significantly in user interface and user experience, ensuring that playing a card game on these platforms feels intuitive," stated Nathan Lyons-Smith, the executive producer of Hearthstone, during a recent group interview at Blizzard. "I know it can be done; for instance, Duels of the Planeswalkers for Magic: The Gathering was an enjoyable experience with a controller many years ago, so I’m confident we can achieve a similar outcome.
The core question remains: do enough players desire this console experience beyond those who prefer using their phones or tablets? It’s exciting to witness the growth of this segment in the market, which could lead us to consider this possibility more seriously."
Hearthstone was swiftly adapted for mobile in 2015, just one year post-launch, largely because Blizzard recognized a significant opportunity and acted quickly to capitalize on it. Lyons-Smith remarked, "We rushed to get it out to meet market demand, and many new players joined as a result, making it a strategic decision at that time." However, he acknowledged that the game's codebase is now quite dated, and quality standards are exceptionally high for console and handheld devices.
"I spoke with an engineer who has been on the project for quite some time, and he estimated that the code dates back 16 years," Lyons-Smith explained. "Back then, the team comprised only 15 individuals. As a result, there’s a greater emphasis on ensuring that when we finally launch on consoles, it’s not just a simple port; we want it to feel incredible for players who enjoy that format, whether they’re relaxing on the couch or using a handheld device."
Game director Tyler Bielman shared similar sentiments, emphasizing, "If we choose to bring the game to a living room screen, we must guarantee that the overall experience is perfectly tailored to that environment."
Lyons-Smith further added, "Let’s take our time to do this properly. We’ll find the right moment to make it happen."
In response to a follow-up question, Lyons-Smith mentioned Microsoft’s interest in maximizing game availability across multiple platforms. He said, "As we look towards future console and handheld possibilities, we aim to broaden our reach as much as possible. Our new ownership has a different vision than what we had three years ago, and they are deeply invested in Xbox, adopting the philosophy that 'anything can be an Xbox.' Their overarching goal is to enable games to be played anywhere."
This concept of "Play Anywhere" is a fundamental aspect of Microsoft's strategy as it shifts Xbox toward becoming a platform-agnostic gaming brand. The idea is that consumers should purchase a game once and have the ability to play it across various platforms within the Xbox ecosystem or app. A prime example of this initiative is last year's Asus Rog Ally X handheld device, which serves as a key supporter of this approach.
On another note, Blizzard recently revealed a Cataclysm-themed expansion for Hearthstone set to launch on March 17. This upcoming update will introduce a fresh narrative to the game along with new Colossal cards—massive creatures that occupy significant space on the board—as well as novel keywords, innovative mechanics, and more. Additionally, Blizzard is hinting at a major announcement regarding Hearthstone for BlizzCon 2026, although it has been clarified that this will not involve Hearthstone 2.
