Overview of Starfield’s Console Future
- Starfield may soon be accessible on additional consoles.
- Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is open to expanding first-party game availability to devices beyond Xbox consoles.
- The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a primary candidate for a potential Starfield release, alongside speculative reports of a Switch 2 version.
Recent comments from Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, hint at the possibility of Starfield being made available on more gaming platforms in the future. This notion is part of a broader strategy that the Xbox team has been discussing, focused on diversifying their game distribution beyond just Xbox consoles.
Originally launched for the Xbox Series X/S and PC in September 2023, Starfield has remained an exclusive title. However, as of early 2025, Spencer announced plans to port some of Microsoft’s first-party titles to other consoles, starting with games like Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves. Additionally, other notable titles, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, have been confirmed for non-Xbox platforms.
While Starfield continues to remain an Xbox exclusive for the time being, Spencer’s interview with freelance journalist Destin Legarie reveals that this exclusivity might not last. When asked about the game’s future, Spencer’s response indicated no absolute commitment to keeping the game solely on Xbox platforms. He emphasized that Microsoft currently has “no red lines”when it comes to considering porting first-party games to other systems.
Phil Spencer on Starfield exclusivity Destin: "Can you solidify that Starfield is staying put for the time being?" Spencer: "No." Source: https://t.co/ccNXLG6GU5 pic.twitter.com/r6sfx9e193 — Destin (@DestinLegarie) January 25, 2025
Anticipation Surrounding a PS5 Release
Despite the ongoing speculation, Spencer has not definitively confirmed that Starfield will be available on new platforms. Rumors about a PS5 version have been circulated since Microsoft announced its plans for broader game releases. Notably, prior to Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media in March 2021, Bethesda was already reportedly working on a PlayStation 5 version of the game.
Potential for Starfield on Switch 2
Although the anticipated Switch 2 is expected to offer improved performance over its predecessor, it is likely to still fall short of the technical capabilities found in the PS5. This raises questions about whether Starfield could be effectively translated to that platform. Recently, industry insiders, including Xbox Game Pass leaker eXtas1s, have suggested that a version for the Switch 2 is still a possibility.
In relation to Bethesda’s upcoming projects, a PS5 release for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has been confirmed for spring 2025. Furthermore, a rumored Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, which is reportedly in development by Virtuos, is also expected to appear on the PS5, although not necessarily at launch. Microsoft has consistently articulated that its move toward multi-platform publishing is in response to shifting trends in the gaming industry, indicating a gradual retreat from exclusive titles.
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