Xbox and PlayStation change course: Their own consoles apparently back in focus

In recent years, the traditional boundaries between consoles seemed to be increasingly disappearing: Xbox games made their way to PS5 and Nintendo Switch, while Sony brought its biggest single-player hits to PC after their initial console releases. However, as IGN reports, the two major console players now appear to be shifting back toward their old exclusivity strategies.

One recent example is Minecraft Dungeons 2. In the latest trailer on the official Xbox YouTube channel, the game is advertised only for Xbox and PC – despite also launching on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 (currently $612 on Amazon). And that approach appears likely to continue. Xbox seemingly no longer wants to advertise competing platforms on its own channels. The exclusivity plans for Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution also fit this strategy. Both games are reportedly set to remain exclusive to Xbox and PC.

PlayStation is once again actively promoting exclusivity

Sony also appears to be pulling back somewhat on its multiplatform strategy. In a new ad, games such as Marvel’s Wolverine, Ghost of Yotei, Astro Bot and Saros are explicitly described as PS5 exclusives. Whether these titles will also come to PC, as had become almost a given in recent years, remains unclear.

Fans apparently wouldn't welcome a return to greater exclusivity

The reasoning behind this apparent change in strategy seems fairly obvious: If almost every game is available everywhere, Sony and Microsoft lose an important selling point for their own consoles. Xbox in particular, after years of its “Everything is an Xbox” strategy, needs to demonstrate once again why gamers should buy an Xbox in the first place. Fans on Reddit acknowledge the reasoning, but they aren't exactly enthusiastic about it.

For gamers, greater exclusivity would be a step backward: Those who want to play certain titles could once again find themselves needing multiple consoles in their living rooms. PC players in particular emphasize that they wouldn't buy additional hardware just for a handful of exclusive games. Users also question whether greater exclusivity would actually lead to a dramatic increase in console sales.