Xbox exclusive games aren't dead, as this free-to-play Pokémon-challenger skips PS5

With price increases and diminishing sales, fewer titles are launching exclusively on Xbox consoles. That’s especially the case with third-party projects, but Aniimo is a notable exception. The upcoming free-to-play creature collector has obvious similarities to Pokémon and Palworld. Promoted by Xbox, the game will not have a PS5 version on its 2026 release date.

A social media post revealed that “Aniimo is coming exclusively to Xbox in 2026.” The PlayStation logo was also conspicuously absent from The Game Awards trailer. As fans were quick to point out, the title will also release on Steam and mobile devices. That may cast doubt on the claim that it’s an Xbox exclusive game, but the decision to bypass the PS5 is unusual.

Microsoft may continue to keep first-party titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Fable temporarily locked to its ecosystem. However, other publishers have been reluctant to prioritize Xbox consoles. In one example, the head of the studio producing No Rest for the Wicked explained how the PS5 made more business sense as a platform. The team behind Ori and the Blind Forest could bring its latest RPG to the Series X and S in the future.

More recently, gamers learned that Phantom Blade Zero will remain only on the PS5 and PC for at least a year. While it’s not a PlayStation-owned property, Sony has encouraged Chinese developers to support its console.

What makes Aniimo different from Pokémon and Palworld?

Whether Aniimo will encourage buyers to consider a now-pricier Xbox console remains to be seen. Like with some Pokémon games, players will explore an open world as they hunt for companions. Still, its developers emphasize a few unique mechanics. Features like twining merge players and their creatures into a single entity. PS5 owners can still rely on Palworld for similar gameplay, but with more focus on survival and crafting.

Publisher Kingsglory will soon host a second beta test for Aniimo before narrowing down a precise release date. The company hasn’t ruled out a PS5 version, but for now, Microsoft considers it a rare Xbox exclusive game.