Microsoft Flight Simulator Touches Down on PS5 — Has Xbox’s Exclusive Reign Ended?

Microsoft announced that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will come to PlayStation 5 during the September 25 PlayStation State of Play. The move was shown on the stream and marks another example of Xbox-branded games appearing on non-Microsoft consoles.

1. Microsoft Flight Simulator on PS5: the announcement
2. Previous Xbox ports and cross-platform releases
3. Recent hardware collaborations and branding moves
4. What this could mean for Xbox hardware strategy
5. Sources and further reading

Microsoft Flight Simulator on PS5: the announcement

On September 25, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was shown as coming to PlayStation 5 during Sony’s State of Play presentation. The trailer and announcement were presented as part of that stream, confirming the game will be available on PS5 in addition to Xbox and PC platforms.

For reference, here is the video that was shown during the presentation:

Previous Xbox ports and cross-platform releases

Microsoft has previously released several major Xbox-first titles on PlayStation. For example, Forza Horizon 5 arrived on PS5 after initially launching on Xbox and PC. Also, Gears of War: Reloaded launched simultaneously on PlayStation and Xbox when it released.

Therefore, the Flight Simulator announcement follows an existing pattern of Microsoft publishing its games on non-Xbox platforms in some cases.

Recent hardware collaborations and branding moves

In addition to software ports, Microsoft has worked with other companies on hardware and branding collaborations. Earlier in the year, Microsoft allowed an Xbox-branded special edition of the Meta Quest 3. Also, the ROG Xbox Ally device is a collaboration between Microsoft (branding) and Asus’ ROG division; it is a Windows-based handheld designed to run PC games and carry Xbox styling.

Moreover, a 2023 leak connected to regulatory filings referenced new Microsoft hardware, including a possible mid-generation Series X refresh. As of now, that specific mid-gen Series X refresh has not been released.

What this could mean for Xbox hardware strategy

Factually, Microsoft releasing Flight Simulator on PS5 shows the company will at least sometimes distribute first-party titles on competing consoles. However, Microsoft continues to sell and support Xbox consoles and Game Pass on Xbox and PC. In addition, Microsoft remains involved in third-party hardware collaborations and ecosystem efforts that extend Xbox branding beyond its own consoles.

In short, the Flight Simulator PS5 release is another data point in Microsoft’s recent approach: some first-party games and branded products appear beyond Xbox hardware, while console sales and Game Pass continue as active parts of Microsoft’s gaming business.

Sources and further reading

For background on the broader cultural note about gaming and religion referenced in some coverage, see this piece from IGN:

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