Major Xbox-exclusive games rumoured for Nintendo and PlayStation
The Microsoft monopoly could be set to boom, as some major titles from the gaming giant's back catalogue could be finding a whole new fan base. While PlayStation is arguably head and shoulders above the rest in terms of first-party games, let's not forget there have been some Xbox-exclusive bangers.
Following the record-breaking Activision Blizzard King deal in 2023, Microsoft could be making its moves on the great gaming Monopoly board - turning a few more houses into hotels. The latest rumours claim that Xbox's first-party lineup might find a new home on Nintendo and PlayStation consoles.
Major Xbox games could be coming to Nintendo and PlayStation
Click to enlargeAs highlighted by Windows Central, the rumour mill is in overdrive that Microsoft wants to take a leap as a third-party publisher. This comes after leaker Nate the Hate claimed an "acclaimed, game of the year-worthy" Xbox game is coming to a competing console.
There's also Xbox CFO Tim Stuart telling investors about plans to bring more of its games to competitor systems. Finally, there have been repeated reports of Game Pass coming to as many screens as possible. Now, things have kicked into overdrive that Hi-Fi Rush could be coming to Switch.
Window Central explains, "They say there's no smoke without fire. I will say that it has been suggested to me from very trusted, proven sources that Microsoft has been exploring bringing some of its back catalog to other platforms, although some of the details remain vague and unconfirmed."
The site says it's reached out to Microsoft for comment, but with Nate the Hate's history, that of Hi-Fi Rush leaker lolilolailo, and the research of article author Jez Corden, the stars could be aligned on this one. We're warned to take things with a pinch of salt for now.
It's important to note that major bangers like Hellblade 2, Avowed, and The Elder Scrolls 6 are expected to remain exclusive to Xbox. Similarly, we can't suddenly see Halo Infinite arriving on the Nintendo Switch or Starfield on PS Plus.
Bring back the golden oldies
In terms of what games from yesteryear could be finding a new home, the GamingLeaksandRumours subreddit gave us plenty of options. When the news hit the forum, you were quick to throw your weight behind the Green Team and get misty-eyed about which classic titles you'd like to see get a new lease of life.
Notably, the Rare catalogue would be a banger. Although the developer found its fame with the likes of GoldenEye 007 and Banjo-Kazooie on the Nintendo 64, Rare (and its impressive roster) now fall under Xbox's umbrella.
One fan cheered, "I'd love to play Conker's Bad Fur Day and other Rare games on Steam. Still hoping for a Marcus Fenix Collection too. I have very fond memories of couch co-op on the 360." Another said they were shocked that 2015's Rare Replay hasn't made it to PC yet.
As one reiterated, "The majority of Xbox owned IPs are legacy titles with a long history of being on other platforms. So Xbox could bring classic Rare, Bethesda, Activision, Blizzard titles to competing platforms when they put out remasters or even remakes."
Someone else concluded, "You’ll see their smaller indie-like titles arrive on other platforms after a few years, but anyone expecting major AAA platform sellers to arrive are wasting their time." A future of every Xbox exclusive having a question over its exclusivity remains unclear, after all, as Window Central put it, you don't hear about Amazon's The Boys coming to Netflix.
