PS5 owners really want to play Xbox games, as Microsoft tops Sony’s preorder charts

The Verge - Mar 26th, 2025
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Microsoft's strategy to bring its Xbox games to the PlayStation 5 is showing significant early success, with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Forza Horizon 5 topping the preorder charts in the PlayStation Store. These titles, which offer premium versions with early access, are popular not only in the US but also in Canada and several European countries. Microsoft's approach of releasing Xbox titles on Sony's platform seems to be paying off, as evidenced by the earlier success of Sea of Thieves on PS5, which remained a top seller for months after its release.

This cross-platform strategy highlights Microsoft's ambition to expand its gaming ecosystem beyond its own consoles, potentially increasing its reach and revenue. The positive reception of Xbox games on PS5 suggests that gamers are receptive to this approach, especially during periods when Sony's own game studios have fewer releases. Furthermore, Microsoft's plans to bring Xbox games to Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 could further solidify its position in the gaming industry, indicating a broader trend toward platform-agnostic gaming experiences.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-organized and generally accurate overview of Microsoft's strategy to bring Xbox games to the PS5, highlighting its success with specific titles. It effectively captures timely developments in the gaming industry, making it relevant to readers interested in gaming trends. However, the article could benefit from more balanced perspectives and authoritative sources to enhance its credibility and depth. While the piece is clear and engaging for gaming enthusiasts, its broader impact and public interest are somewhat limited, focusing primarily on the gaming community. Overall, the article is informative but could strengthen its analysis with additional transparency and diverse viewpoints.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story presents a generally accurate depiction of the current state of Microsoft's strategy to bring Xbox games to the PS5, as evidenced by its claims about pre-order success and release dates for specific titles. The main claims regarding the popularity of 'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle' and 'Forza Horizon 5' on the PlayStation Store are supported by multiple sources, suggesting a high degree of accuracy in reporting these facts. However, the story mentions Microsoft's future plans for Nintendo's Switch 2, which lacks official confirmation from Nintendo or Microsoft, indicating a need for further verification. The article's accuracy is strong but not flawless, as certain future projections and market impact analyses require additional evidence.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on Microsoft's successes, particularly in relation to its strategy of bringing Xbox games to the PS5. While it highlights the achievements of Microsoft's cross-platform strategy, it does not extensively cover potential downsides or criticisms of this approach. Additionally, the article lacks perspectives from Sony or other industry players, which could provide a more comprehensive view of the gaming market dynamics. Overall, the piece leans slightly towards favoring Microsoft's narrative without delving deeply into opposing viewpoints or broader industry implications.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, with a straightforward structure that presents information in a logical sequence. The language is accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the main points and claims. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of certain industry terms and strategies, which would enhance comprehension for readers less familiar with the gaming sector. Despite these minor issues, the overall clarity of the piece is strong.

6
Source quality

The article references observations from Resetera posters and mentions the Notepad newsletter, which may not be the most authoritative sources. While these sources provide some insight into the gaming community's perceptions, they might not offer the same level of credibility as official statements from companies like Microsoft or Sony. The reliance on community observations and newsletters suggests a need for more robust, authoritative sources to bolster the article's claims and enhance its reliability.

5
Transparency

The article does not provide much information about its sources or the methodology used to gather the data presented. There is a lack of transparency regarding how the conclusions about Microsoft's strategy and its success on the PS5 were reached. Additionally, the article omits any potential conflicts of interest or biases that could affect its impartiality. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the reader's ability to assess the article's credibility and the validity of its claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/03/xbox-is-absolutely-dominating-ps5s-pre-order-charts
  2. https://gamerant.com/xbox-forza-horizon-5-playstation-sales-chart-pre-order-success/
  3. https://gamerant.com/xbox-games-playstation-store-sales-chart/
  4. https://www.thegamer.com/forza-forza-horizon-5-pre-orders-charting-on-playstation-store/
  5. https://www.notebookcheck.net/Xbox-exclusives-rank-high-on-PlayStation-Store-pre-orders-as-Microsoft-s-cross-platform-strategy-pays-off.986723.0.html