Closed ecosystems

Consoles are closed platforms that require special permissions, SDKs, and hardware. They're bound by strict NDAs and legal rules. While Godot can't offer official support due to its open source license, approved developers can still ship console games using Godot through certified third-party providers.

An open source system

Godot is MIT-licensed and fully open source, no NDAs, no restricted tools, and no legal liability. Console development requires the opposite: legal contracts and closed access. To preserve its values of openness and freedom, the Godot Foundation does not maintain official console ports.

Console porting in Godot

You can release a Godot game on consoles if you're approved by the platform holder and use official SDKs, either building tools yourself or using licensed third-party middleware.

Godot runs on consoles, but export templates must be built with official SDKs and can only be shared privately with approved developers. Several third-party companies offer this middleware under the necessary legal constraints.

More info: https://godotengine.org/article/about-official-console-ports/

What's the console porting process?

To start the process of bringing your Godot game to consoles, you'll need to:

1. Register as a developer with the console manufacturer
2. Be approved and gain access to dev tools & SDKs
3. Obtain a devkit (confidential pricing)
4. Use or build console export templates
5. Rate your game with regional agencies (ESRB, PEGI, etc.)
6. Either do the porting in-house or partner with a trusted vendor