The continuing console generation in 2025 seesXboxcontinuing to release a variety of games on its newest system - the Xbox Series X|S. However, competing consoles like the PlayStation 5 and newly released Nintendo Switch 2 have published different titles with exclusivity to their systems, something Xbox has been back-and-forth on for years. At this point, Xbox needs to communicate which future surrounding exclusive games it will follow.
With thereduction of physicalXboxgames, thedigital catalog of titles released for pastXboxconsoles has begun to spread to other systems. For example, games likeSea of Thieves,Forza Horizon 5, andIndiana Jones and the Great Circleare becoming available on PS5 consoles everywhere. With the Switch 2 also gaining access to some of theXboxlibrary, fewerXboxgames are exclusive to the Microsoft consoles.
Xbox Multi-Platform Releases Are Continuing
New Games Are Not Exclusive To Xbox Anymore
Evennew games getting primary releases throughXboxare not exclusive, launching on multiple systems over time. The biggest example of this isSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, a sequel that was originally thought to only come out on Windows and the Xbox Series X|S console in May 2024. According to recent information, it has been stated that this game will also come to PlayStation 5, arriving on Jun 11, 2025.
This trend is continuing for a lot of newerXboxtitles, with evenupcoming games likeGears of War: Reloadedreleasing on both Xbox and PC first before going to PlayStationlater. This game in particular is huge news, asalmost allGears of Wargameshave always been consideredXboxstaples that would remain within that system’s exclusive collection.
It is likely that even more recent titles will start shifting fromXboxexclusivity and start making their way to other consoles. Several titles have already been confirmed to have eventual PS5 releases, albeit without exact dates as of this time of writing. FromDoom: The Dark AgestoGears of War: Reloaded, it seems like players won’t have to worry about having an Xbox system to play certain games for much longer.
Xbox’s Biggest Exclusives Are Still In Limbo
Some Titles May Remain Xbox Only
Despite all the multi-platform releases ofXboxtitles, the news surrounding this process with some ofXbox’s biggest franchises has been vague at best.Some of the biggestXboxexclusives have not had any news regarding if they will release on other platformsat any point in the future. Given the trend thatother games inXbox’s libraryhave been doing, this creates a strange contrast to what is being done.
Some leaks and rumors forXboxgames have hinted that some titles will come to the PlayStation 5 or the Nintendo Switch 2, but Microsoft has been strangely quiet on announcing anything official for multi-platform releases for their biggest games.
Larger titles likeStarfieldhave no multi-platform announcements, with other well-received games likeSouth of Midnightgetting the same treatment. However, thebiggest exclusive still in limbo is theHaloseries, arguably the biggest exclusiveXboxstill has compared to other consoles. Although mostHalogames are available on PC now through Steam, PlayStation and Nintendo players have no way to access this landmark FPS series.
Games Like Halo Deserve Clear Communication
The Biggest Titles In Xbox’s Library Should Have Defined Exclusivity
It wouldn’t be surprising at this point if a series likeHalocame to other platforms, but thelack of communication surrounding its exclusivity can be frustrating for players. No one would bat an eye ifXboxclaimed thatHalowould stay on Xbox consoles, as that is the way it’s been for years. That being said, long-time owners of Nintendo or Sony consoles might enjoy finally being able to play the storied sci-fi franchise’s best entries for the first time too.
The"console wars"between systems have long since ended, but public perception might still be a reason whyXboxrefuses to offerHalothrough a multi-platform release. Even ifXboxwants to keepHaloto themselves,other large titles deserve to be either kept exclusive or offered publicly to other systems. Players from other devices knowing they could get someXboxgames would help expand the outreach of those titles beyond theXboxplatform.
If Microsoft is committed to allowing some of its larger games to go multi-platform, it should at least ensure to announce which systems that apply to, release dates, and any other relevant information related to their library being added somewhere else. Otherwise, without answers, players will continue to assume allXboxgames are still exclusive, leading to less expansion to a game’s player base for it to grow and succeed.
