Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is officially coming to PS5 — but according to new comments from industry insiders, this release almost never happened. In fact, Xbox leadership reportedly rejected the idea at first, saying that the game should remain an exclusive experience within the Microsoft ecosystem.
The surprising revelation offers a glimpse into how dramatically Xbox’s content strategy has shifted in recent years, especially as Microsoft pushes more games onto competing platforms.
A Closed Door — At First
When the proposal to bring Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to PlayStation 5 was originally pitched, senior Xbox decision-makers were reportedly not interested. Their stance was straightforward:
- Flight Simulator was a marquee Microsoft brand
- It showcased the power of the Xbox hardware
- It reinforced Microsoft’s identity as a platform-first company
Putting it on PlayStation, at that time, didn’t align with their vision. The answer was simple: “No.”
What Changed? Microsoft’s New Multi-Platform Strategy
Over the past year, Microsoft has openly shifted toward a strategy built around game availability, not platform exclusivity. Several Xbox titles — including major AAA releases — have made their way to Nintendo and Sony platforms.
Under this new direction, bringing Flight Simulator 2024 to PS5 suddenly made sense:
- It expands the game’s global reach
- It boosts long-term revenue through DLC and premium content
- It positions Flight Simulator as a worldwide aviation platform, not just an Xbox attraction
This broader business mindset helped overturn the initial rejection.
Why PS5 Players Should Be Excited
Flight Simulator 2024 on PS5 means Sony players get access to:
- A massive, highly realistic world built from satellite data
- Next-generation weather simulation
- Deep aviation mechanics
- Hundreds of aircraft, missions, and live events
- Visual upgrades designed for high-end hardware
For the first time, the PlayStation audience will experience aviation realism at a scale typically reserved for PC and Xbox Series X|S.
A Win for the Industry
What began as a rejected idea has become a major moment for cross-platform gaming. Xbox’s willingness to bring a flagship franchise to PlayStation shows a more open, content-driven future — one where players benefit regardless of which console they own.
Flight Simulator 2024 launching on PS5 is more than a port. It’s a signal that Microsoft’s strategy has evolved, and the walls between platforms are finally getting lower.