Could Microsoft Flight Simulator make its way to PlayStation 5?
After a highly successful release on PC and subsequent launch on Xbox, Microsoft Flight Simulator has garnered a new generation of players. Its availability on Xbox has attracted gamers who may not have been able to afford high-end PC hardware to experience the simulation game.
As Xbox gamers assess the latest Microsoft business update and the announcement that four older games will soon be available cross-platform, it begs the question of what other consoles, particularly the PlayStation 5, have in store for their owners.
Although the Nintendo Switch is currently limited in terms of suitable games, the PlayStation 5 presents an opportunity for Microsoft Flight Simulator to debut on its second console. If this were to happen, it would open up a world of possibilities for Sony's hardware.
Given the success of Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC and Xbox, where it even prompted the release of flight sticks designed specifically for the game on Xbox, it isn't far-fetched to suggest that the simulation could make its way onto Sony's hardware in the near future. The PlayStation 5 is more than capable of handling the game's requirements.
An article in The Verge suggests that Microsoft has already been considering the possibility of bringing the franchise to rival platforms. Realistically, the only viable platform would be the PlayStation, as the Nintendo Switch would be unable to support the game in its current state.
As Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is slated for a mid-year release, it would not cause significant mainstream commotion like other Microsoft titles such as Halo, Forza, or Starfield. Interestingly, many may not have noticed that Flight Simulator is currently exclusive to Xbox. Bringing it to the PlayStation would be a smart move, especially for third-party developers who create aircraft, airports, and landscapes for the game's marketplace.
While there may be some hurdles to overcome to bring Flight Simulator's marketplace to Sony's hardware, it is not an insurmountable challenge. Such a move would introduce an entirely new genre to the PlayStation and expand the game's audience to a whole new level of players.
Analyst comment
The news is positive. As an analyst, I predict that if Microsoft Flight Simulator is released for PlayStation 5, it will expand the market for the game and attract a new audience of players, especially those who own Sony’s hardware. This move may also benefit third-party developers who create content for the game’s marketplace.
