Xbox to Port More Games to PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2, Analyst Claims “We’re Way Beyond” Platform-Switching for Exclusives

The Shifting Landscape of Xbox’s Market Position

For years, Xbox has consistently ranked third, trailing behind the industry leaders, PlayStation and Nintendo. In light of recent developments, the pattern seems to persist. Xbox’s recent strategy of releasing titles that were once exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch has not indicated an intent to climb the ranks but rather a means to maintain a foothold within the market.

Future Predictions from Industry Experts

One should anticipate a surge in game ports, as highlighted by Mat Piscatella, the executive director at Circana and a renowned video game industry analyst. In a discussion with Christopher Dring, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Game Business, Piscatella analyzed the hardware and software sales trends from June 2025. Notably, the Nintendo Switch 2 achieved the status of the fastest-selling video game console in U. S.history, while Forza Horizon 5 emerged as a top-five best-selling game on the PlayStation platform.

The Success of Forza Horizon 5

Recent data from Alinea Analytics indicates that Forza Horizon 5 has risen to be the top-selling title on the PlayStation 5 this year. Such commercial achievement could be crucial for Xbox, even if these sales occur through external platforms.

A Shift in Consumer Behavior

Piscatella states, “Consumers today purchase a gaming console based on the ecosystem and their social connections rather than exclusives.”This sentiment expresses a shift away from platform loyalty, suggesting that companies must adapt by extending their offerings to where the players are, rather than attempting to convert them to new consoles. He notes, “Bringing content directly to users is the only viable strategy in today’s gaming environment.”Nintendo typically opts for its unique approach, focusing on exclusivity rather than cross-platform accessibility.

The Dominance of Live Service Games

The dominance of live service games on engagement charts is evident, with the leading titles consuming approximately half of monthly gaming time in the U. S.Piscatella emphasizes the importance of releasing games across multiple systems to engage with an audience that predominantly does not own an Xbox Series X/S console.“The success of Forza sets a promising precedent for future iterations, particularly if they launch simultaneously across various platforms, ”he adds.

Global Trends in Gaming Engagement

Data from Newzoo consistently portrays live service games as a significant force in the gaming industry. Despite occasional new releases entering the top 10 best-selling charts, regular player engagement predominantly revolves around the same established titles that frequently swap positions.

As it stands, Xbox’s inability to attract players to its latest console generation underscores the urgency of this strategy. Rather than compelling consumers to invest heavily in a new console for exclusive titles, Xbox has opted to pursue player engagement where it currently exists. This adaptability mirrors the moves made by PlayStation, which has embarked on a journey of porting its successful titles to PC platforms. In contrast, Nintendo retains the unique ability to draw players solely for its exclusive offerings.

Looking Ahead: More Ports on the Horizon

Dring’s insights suggest that Xbox is set to announce further ports for Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 “in the coming weeks.”These anticipations are not just speculative; they reflect a broader expectation as the industry gears up for the next major announcements at Gamescom 2025.

The likelihood of Xbox increasing its portfolio of game ports to other platforms appears to be a definitive prediction for the upcoming gaming events and a key component of Xbox’s strategy in the competitive gaming industry.

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