Xbox Exclusive May Stay Put Despite Microsoft’s Multiplatform Push

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Approximately a year past, it was disclosed that Xbox intended to distribute four of its unique, in-house games on PlayStation and Nintendo systems. This decision took many gaming enthusiasts aback, as such a move was uncharacteristic for the company. Historically, Microsoft had emphasized making their first-party releases exclusive within the Xbox community. However, this unexpected action cast doubt over the longevity of Xbox exclusivity. At that moment, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, attempted to allay concerns among dedicated Xbox fans by asserting that the company’s core exclusive strategy wouldn’t be altered. Nevertheless, many gamers remained skeptical.

Over the past year, there’s been a significant shift in the Xbox brand. Reliable sources suggest that Microsoft might be planning to make its games available on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles, including popular exclusives such as Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, and Forza Horizon 5. It’s rumored that the company aims to give up Xbox exclusivity entirely, transforming into a publisher that caters to multiple platforms rather than just one. Although such rumors are often met with skepticism, recent hints from Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, leaning towards full multiplatform support make these speculations seem plausible.

Unlike Other Xbox Games, Rare Replay Will Probably Not Come to PS5 or Nintendo Switch

Rare Replay is One of the Only True Xbox One Exclusives

Regardless of whether upcoming Xbox games appear simultaneously on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles, it doesn’t automatically imply that Microsoft will transport every existing Xbox exclusive title to other systems. In fact, there’s at least one highly-praised game from Microsoft that likely won’t be seen on the PS5 or the Switch, and that’s Rare Replay. This title was released in 2015 and is considered a true Xbox One exclusive as it has never been adapted for PC. While the absence of Rare Replay on other platforms might appear puzzling to some, it becomes clear upon understanding the nature of the game.

Rare Replay Includes 30 Different Games From Across Rare’s History

Hey there, fellow gamers! Let me tell you about this amazing throwback I recently got my hands on – Rare Replay. Unlike your regular video game, it’s more like a treasure trove filled with 30 classic games from the legendary British developer, Rare, and its early incarnation, Ultimate Play The Game. Microsoft rolled out this collection to celebrate Rare’s impressive 30-year journey in the gaming world, as they were first established way back in 1985.

This collection is packed with cheats, mini-games, and exclusive interviews that offer a sneak peek into the making of some of their iconic games. So, if you’re a fan of Rare’s work or just want to experience gaming history up close, Rare Replay is a must-have!

In January 2023, Microsoft included the 31st game, GoldenEye 007, in Rare Replay, a move made over seven years following the initial release of this collection.

The collection titled Rare Replay gathers numerous classic games, such as Killer Instinct Gold, Banjo-Kazooie, and Perfect Dark. Additionally, it includes some less popular titles like Kameo: Elements of Power and Lunar Jetman. As most of these games were originally designed for retro systems, Rare employed emulation technology to make them playable on Xbox One. In all, the compilation uses a total of four distinct emulators, including those for Xbox 360, ZX Spectrum, and Nintendo 64 games.

Due to Rare Replay’s Use of Xbox 360 Emulation, It Would Be Hard to Port It to Other Platforms

As a dedicated fan, let me share some insights about Rare Replay. The emulator powering this fantastic collection is identical to the one Microsoft uses for their backward compatibility program. Given how much Rare Replay relies on this specific emulator, it seems challenging to directly port it to other platforms. It’s worth noting that systems like the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC aren’t equipped to run Xbox 360 games, unlike the Xbox One and Series X/S. Therefore, bringing Rare Replay to non-Xbox platforms might not be a straightforward task. Unless Microsoft decides to rebuild the compilation from scratch, it seems that we may have to wait a while before seeing it on platforms outside of Xbox.

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2025-01-30 23:34