Summary
- Microsoft recently began porting Xbox Game Studios titles to the PlayStation 5, including Minecraft Legends and Sea of Thieves.
- Obsidian’s historical RPG Pentiment and its survival game Grounded were ported to the PS5 in 2024.
- Classic Microsoft-owned titles like Age of Mythology: Retold and Forza Horizon 5 are now available on PS5.
For more than two decades, brands like PlayStation and Xbox have led the charge in the intense competition known as the console market, with Sony and Microsoft continually advancing their own gaming hardware and unique software that could only run on their systems. Yet, times have shifted, and the traditional concept of a console war has been gradually fading away.
It’s fortunate for consumers that Microsoft has shifted its strategy significantly in recent years, now bringing video games initially published by Xbox Game Studios over to the PlayStation 5. This unexpected move includes previously released games as well as upcoming ones not yet out when this was written.
Minecraft Legends
An Action RPG Minecraft Spin-Off
The acquisition of Mojang Studios by Microsoft marked a significant milestone in the video game industry. Initially, there were concerns that adaptations or future versions of Minecraft might be exclusive to Xbox consoles. Luckily, this didn’t turn out to be the case. Consequently, Minecraft Legends became available simultaneously on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
In simpler terms, “Minecraft Legends,” created by Mojang and published by Xbox Game Studios, combines elements of action role-playing games (RPG) and strategy games within the vibrant blocky universe of the popular Minecraft series. Given that Minecraft has a vast following, including many children, it’s beneficial that games like this one are accessible across multiple console brands at home.
Pentiment
An Immersive Historical Experience By Obsidian
Obsidian Entertainment, recognized for creating titles such as “Fallout: New Vegas” and “South Park: The Stick of Truth”, was among several game development studios purchased by Microsoft during the mid-2010s. This meant that their games were exclusive to Xbox systems for a while. However, in 2024, Microsoft revealed its intentions to adapt these games for rival consoles. “Pentiment” was the first of these games to be made available on other platforms.
The game titled “Pentiment” can be characterized as an immersive role-playing adventure set in 16th-century Europe, featuring a captivating hand-painted art style. This distinctive and visually appealing experience might not appeal to everyone, but it is certainly ideal for enthusiasts of history.
Grounded
A Ruthless Survival Game Set In A Miniature World
Grounded is another creation from Obsidian Entertainment, initially available only on Xbox consoles but later adapted for the PlayStation 5 in April 2024. The game shares similarities with films such as Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, since it centers around a band of children who are reduced in size by a mysterious device and must navigate their own backyard to survive.
The game “Grounded” is a cooperative survival title, where players must gather resources, battle insects and small creatures, and manufacture weapons and tools to ensure the safety of these children, while also uncovering how they wound up in such a perilous environment. This game offers a harsh but captivating cycle of play, and enthusiasts of the survival genre are sure to find it enjoyable. The sequel to this game, titled “Grounded 2”, was recently announced and, for now, appears to be an exclusive release for Xbox and PC systems. However, it’s expected that a version for PlayStation 5 will become available at some point after its initial launch.
Sea Of Thieves
Rare’s Ambitious Pirate Adventure
2018 marked a significant milestone for me as an Xbox fan, with the launch of Sea of Thieves – the first original title from Rare in over a decade that wasn’t a rehash or a Kinect-exclusive motion-controlled game. While it garnered some divided opinions initially, this vibrant pirate adventure has been steadily refined through regular updates and expansions, growing into a popular choice among players today.
In early 2024, Microsoft chose to bring Sea of Thieves, one of their exclusive games, over to the PlayStation 5. This means that now, PlayStation users can immerse themselves in the thrilling pirate adventure that offers sailing, sword fighting, naval battles, treasure hunting, and more. What’s even better is that Sea of Thieves supports cross-play, allowing players on Xbox Series X/S and PS5 to interact freely with each other.
Age Of Mythology: Retold
The Long-Awaited Return Of A Classic Strategy Series
In the late 90s and early 2000s, before entering the home console market, Microsoft had already made a name for itself in the PC gaming world, particularly with its popular real-time strategy game series, Age of Empires. One of the most cherished games within this series was Age of Empires. Later on, they developed Age of Mythology as a spin-off, which shifted away from the historical focus of its predecessors towards mythological characters and creatures instead.
Luckily for enthusiasts of this game, Microsoft released an updated version in 2024 called “Age of Mythology: Retold“, which later came to the PS5 in 2025 along with its “Immortal Pillars” expansion. Essentially, it’s the same classic strategy game from 2002, but now boasting improved graphics and a more user-friendly interface. While many players typically prefer to engage with such games on PC (using a mouse), the controls for the PS5 port are surprisingly robust.
Forza Horizon 5
This Classic Racing Series Can Now Compete With Gran Turismo On The Same System
For quite some time, the racing simulator genre on home consoles was largely controlled by two well-known series: Microsoft’s Forza and Sony’s Gran Turismo. However, with their decision to gradually phase out exclusives in 2024, Microsoft brought the game Forza Horizon 5 over to the PlayStation 5 in April 2025.
The unanticipated launch of a game now makes it possible for car racing fans to savor both Forza Horizon and Gran Turismo on the same gaming console. Undeniably, Forza Horizon 5 is a fantastic choice due to its thrilling gameplay, accurate vehicle simulations, stunning landscapes, and captivating online multiplayer feature.
Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
Age Of Empires Had To Arrive To The PS5 At Some Point
The revamped version of the timeless real-time strategy game, “Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition,” came out in 2019 as a tribute to its 20th anniversary. Initially available on PC and Xbox consoles, it was launched before “Age of Mythology: Retold.” However, the PS5 version didn’t follow suit until May 2025 – quite some time after its counterpart had been released.
Despite the fact that strategy enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting it, it’s worth noting that both Age of Empires 2 and Age of Mythology are now playable on Sony’s console. Unlike Age of Mythology, which is set in mythological times, Age of Empires 2 boasts a historical setting and showcases numerous real-world civilizations, such as the Celts, Vikings, Persians, Mongols, among others. Much like its spin-off, this PS5 version offers a well-designed control system and cross-play multiplayer compatibility with both the PC and Xbox versions.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
After Eight Years, Senua Finally Returns To The PlayStation Brand
Interestingly, the initial installment of this series, titled “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice,” was initially exclusive to PlayStation 4. However, when Microsoft bought Ninja Theory in 2018, they moved it to Xbox One. This acquisition paved the way for the studio to start working on a follow-up with a bigger budget and more team members, leading to the development of “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.”
Similar to its predecessor, Hellblade 2 is an action-adventure game that offers a unique playing experience unlike any other game available. Set within the realm of Norse Mythology, this game delivers solid gameplay with a dynamic combat system and thought-provoking puzzles. However, what truly sets it apart is its haunting narrative that includes elements of psychological horror, giving it a distinctive edge over other titles in the genre. The Xbox and PC versions of Hellblade 2 received rave reviews in 2024, and now, it’s available on the PS5 as well.
Upcoming PS5 Releases By Xbox Game Studios
- Gears of War: Reloaded: August 26, 2025
- Ninja Gaiden 4: October 21, 2025
- The Outer Worlds 2: October 24, 2025
PS5 Games Published By Microsoft-Owned Companies
- Quake Remastered
- Deathloop
- Ghostwire: Tokyo
- Hi-Fi Rush
- Quake 2 Remastered
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
- Doom: The Dark Ages
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
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2025-08-13 01:12